A MAJOR �2 million-plus project to revamp Felixstowe's historic seafront gardens has moved a step closer - with a lottery grant to develop the proposals.

A MAJOR �2 million-plus project to revamp Felixstowe's historic seafront gardens has moved a step closer - with a lottery grant to develop the proposals.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded �152,300 to Suffolk Coastal to finalise the designs and ideas for the future of the gardens around the Spa Pavilion, Town Hall and other parts of the seafront.

The aim is to create a range of attractions, including a visitors' centre explaining the history of the gardens, open-air performance venue, adventure play area and a lift from the clifftop to the Spa Pavilion theatre below.

Restoring the seven acres of gardens to their former glory is another priority - overgrown areas will be dealt with, period features such as the Cliff Shelter will be recovered, and paths improved making them better for people with disabilities

“We are delighted that the HLF has recognised the enormous potential of the Felixstowe seafront gardens project by giving Suffolk Coastal the means to finalise its plans, along with the opportunity to bid for funding from a multi-million pound pot,” said council cabinet member Mary Neale.

Design and planning company The Landscape Partnership helped Suffolk Coastal to prepare its development grant application.

Having been successful in the first round, the next stage involves putting forward more detailed proposals, working with the town council and Friends of the Seafront Gardens, and bidding for a further �1,819,000 within the next two years.

Suffolk Coastal has committed �325,000 and Haven Gateway Partnership �150,000 to the project.

What would you like to see in the Spa Gardens? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk