Ipswich flood barrier viewing gallery opens after five years

The viewing gallery, which was created as part of the £67.4million tidal project, is known as Griffin Wharf and has now opened to the public.

Associated British Ports (ABP), in conjunction with Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk County Council has opened up the public space at New Cut East in Ipswich.

The area, owned by the Environment Agency, is positioned so viewers can see the barrier close up and take in panoramic views of the Orwell Bridge.

The viewing gallery (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Environment Agency project executive, Andrew Usborne, said: "The Environment Agency is delighted to see Griffin Wharf open to the public.

"The space was created as part of the tidal project, which protects more than 1,600 homes and 400 businesses from flooding, and benefits from seating and river views."

Paul Ager, divisional port manager at ABP, said: "We are pleased to have been able to support the safe opening of Griffin Wharf.

The gallery gives views of the Orwell Bridge (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"Safety is a core value for our company and as owners of the railway line, which is adjacent to the site, we have been working with local stakeholders to agree a solution for creating safe public access to the space.

"The temporary fencing solution ensures safe public access to the area and has involved the removal of the timber hoardings and an upgrade to the heras fencing.

The flood barrier with the viewing gallery (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"This means that there is now a robust rail corridor which safeguards public access from the rail gate to the junction with Bath Street.

"ABP is actively engaging with stakeholders to implement a permanent fencing solution."

The River Orwell (Image: Charlotte Bond)