REGENERATION of Felixstowe’s seafront gardens will cause a year of disruption – but the team behind the project are today pledging to keep disturbance to a minimum.

The contract for the �2.76million lottery-backed renovation is set to be awarded in March with a start made in April.

Project manager Corinne Cappell said: “We are expecting the works on site to be undertaken between April 2013 and April 2014.

“We will do our utmost to minimise disruption to the public during the restoration programme.”

She said that during parts of the work there would be closures of areas and parking restrictions.

Consultation was currently being carried out with the town council and other organisations so that the successful contractor could be made aware of any restrictions concerning working hours, access, parking and other issues. Officers are currently analysing the tenders submitted for the project. Work will be carried out in the Spa Gardens and also the South Cliff Gardens next to the town hall in Undercliff Road West to give them an exciting fresh new look, but also restore historical features.

The gardens are nationally important and are designated Grade II on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest.

The main work will involve restoring structures and enhancing the heritage features of the gardens, including refurbishing the ponds and small shelters, as well as creating a major new public shelter overlooking the sea next to Felixstowe Town Hall.

In addition there will be improved lighting and seating, a new heritage trail, improved public space, reinstated and enhanced gardens, CCTV, interpretation facilities, with much better accessibility and safety for all visitors.

Project board member Andy Smith said there had been concern over the style of planting and worries that it would all be shrubs. “That’s not the case and there will be a substantial amount of floral planting but not annual bedding plants,” he said.

The proposals show “considered and sustainable” planting of trees and shrubs, especially to encourage wildlife and migrating birds.