Boats set return to Ipswich Waterfront in the coming weeks

New pontoons have been installed at the northern side of the Ipswich marina as Associated British Ports (ABP) marked the "significant milestone" 10 months after Ipswich Borough Council granted planning permission for the project.

In a scheme approved by the council in December last year, ABP was permitted to remove 93 existing pontoons and replace them with 15 new ones.

The new pontoons have been completed with the marina set to welcome boats in the coming weeks(Image: Oli Picton)

That has left the Waterfront without any boats on the northern site at the Neptune dock, but with the installations of the new pontoons, vessels will be able to return soon.

Paul Ager, divisional port manager at Associated British Ports said: "We're delighted to see the successful installation of the new pontoons on the northern side of Ipswich Beacon Marina.

Paul Ager, divisional port manager at ABP(Image: Stephen Waller)

"This marks a significant milestone in ABP's ongoing commitment to enhancing the waterfront experience for both residents and visitors, and its £2million investment in the marina."

"We look forward to welcoming boats to the new berths in the coming weeks and are excited to see the marina continue to thrive."

Ipswich borough councillor George Lankester(Image: Ipswich Labour)

The proposal also sought permission to add a new foul water treatment plant and two welfare buildings with facilities - this will be placed in the private parking facility opposite Duke Street car park in the quay.

George Lankester, Ipswich borough councillor for the Holywells ward, which shares the Waterfront with the Alexandra ward, previously told this newspaper said: "It's positive to see the works nearing completion, and the new pontoons look much improved.

"I hope that the extra space will create more opportunities to celebrate Ipswich's maritime history and to welcome more historic vessels to the waterfront."