Reactions to approval for Ipswich Neptune Marina plans

On Wednesday, Ipswich Borough Council's planning committee unanimously approved Associated British Ports (ABP) plans to reduce the existing 93 pontoons in Neptune Marina to just 15. 

Alongside this, the plans also called for permission to add a foul water treatment plant and two welfare buildings with toilets and showers for the users.

While ABP has welcomed the decision, some residents believe the reduction in the number of pontoons will take away what has aesthetically been the most appealing attraction for the Waterfront area. 

Paul Ager of ABP welcomed the approval (Image: Newsquest) Work is set to begin in early 2025 (Image: ABP) ABP's divisional port manager Paul Ager thanked the borough council for its support and said that works are scheduled to begin in early 2025 and be completed in time for next summer. 

He added: "This is a significant milestone for the town’s Waterfront, paving the way for ABP’s £2million investment in upgrading and enhancing the marina facilities at Ipswich Beacon Marina.

“This project reflects ABP’s commitment to preserving Ipswich’s maritime heritage while creating a modern, thriving Waterfront that benefits residents, visitors, and the local economy.

"The redevelopment will deliver fully serviced berths, modern welfare facilities, improved connectivity, and a dedicated space for the Ipswich Maritime Trust’s Window Museum, celebrating the town’s rich history."

Ipswich Central's Lee Walker welcomed ABP's investment in the marina  (Image: Ipswich Central) The plans were also supported by Ipswich Central, with chief executive Lee Walker adding: "We welcome ABP’s investment and plans to improve the marina at Ipswich Waterfront.

"These changes will help to ensure the marina's long-term future for everyone.”

Some residents believe the boats in the marina are a reason for visitors to come to Ipswich. (Image: Shikhar Talwar) Some residents were not happy with the decision taken by the council to approve the plans. (Image: Shikhar Talwar) However, many residents are not happy about the plans getting approved as they believe that it will hurt what makes Ipswich stand out in East Anglia. 

Many people who live in the Waterfront area have contacted us over recent weeks expressing their concerns over the proposals - with one arguing that the current lack of boats makes it look "tremendously sad".

One such person is Alan Passey, who said: "I believe the council have made a strategic error and under-estimated the value of having an active marina on the north side of the wet dock. 

"It was a free attraction in its own right. This will be a loss for visitors by land and sea."

An aerial view of Ipswich Waterfront, taken previouslyThe boats are not expected to return to the marina until summer next year. (Image: Shikhar Talwar) Another resident, Jane Vidal, said that the reduction in pontoons would aesthetically reduce the appeal of the Waterfront. 

"It is sad to see the boats go away," he said. 

"I hope I am wrong and that it still looks like a packed place with several boats for visitors to just look at, but I think the huge reduction will affect the businesses negatively."