ABP delighted to welcome boats back to Ipswich Waterfront

As the £2million revamp of the Waterfront continues, boats are starting to return - with vessels mooring up over the weekend.

It was announced at the start of October that craft would return "in the coming weeks", 10 months after the project was green lit by Ipswich Borough Council.

The new pontoons have 15 berths, down from 93 before the work began(Image: Oli Picton)

In December, the council unanimously agreed to plans from Associated British Ports (ABP) to reduce the number of berths available at the marina from 93 to 15.

The work had left the Waterfront without any boats on the northern site at the Neptune dock, but with the installations of the new pontoons, vessels have now been allowed to return.

Some of the ABP team with marina manager Lucy Edmonds (right)(Image: Oli Picton)

Lucy Edmonds, marina manager at ABP, said: "We’re absolutely delighted to be welcoming boats back to the new pontoons on Neptune Quay, within Ipswich Beacon Marina.

"It’s a fantastic moment for our team, who have worked incredibly hard to support this upgrade, and I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved together.

Boats at the Neptune Marina have returned after months away(Image: Oli Picton)

"We hope our customers enjoy the improved facilities and the fresh energy this brings to this side of our Five Gold Anchor Marina.

"This is just one part of ABP’s wider £2m investment in Ipswich Beacon Marina, and we’re excited to be planning further updates – including upgraded welfare facilities – to continue enhancing the experience for our berth holders and visitors."

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