NEW attractions costing millions of pounds should be provided by Felixstowe port if its massive redevelopment project is allowed to go-ahead.That's the view of Suffolk Coastal council, which is to press the government to only approve permission for expansion if port owners Hutchison Whampoa agree to a list of benefits for the community.

NEW attractions costing millions of pounds should be provided by Felixstowe port if its massive redevelopment project is allowed to go-ahead.

That's the view of Suffolk Coastal council, which is to press the government to only approve permission for expansion if port owners Hutchison Whampoa agree to a list of benefits for the community.

The "wish list" will be completely separate from any action by the port to deal with the effects of the predicted one million more lorry journeys that redevelopment of the Landguard Terminal and Dock Basin will generate.

Suffolk Coastal says for permission to be given the port must:

n Provide a replacement public viewing area next to the port;

n give land and funding for a visitor centre;

n improve the approach to Landguard Fort, and create a car and bus turning area;

n and provide funds towards a new local foot ferry landing berth.

The council also wants the port to pay for its port health department offices to be relocated as part of the redevelopment scheme.

Council leader Ray Herring said that in requesting the attractions and facilities the aim was that the council would not be landed with any extra costs - either one-off bills or ongoing maintenance.

Negotiations have been taking place between the port, county council and English Heritage over the package which aims to overcome the "large environmental disbenefits" of the development by providing some benefits for the community.

Details of the talks were given to members of the council's cabinet in a confidential report.

Minutes of the meeting said: "The report also considered which new facilities on the Landguard Peninsula the council might adopt and manage.

"The cabinet stressed that a strong favourable business case would need to be made before the council would adopt any new facility.

"The council's role was as an enabler rather than taking on ownership and future responsibilities. Any new facility adopted must be an asset rather than a liability."

It is understood the port has indicated privately that it will pay £650,000 towards the £1.3 million cost of the visitor centre. But council officials want the company to pay the full price for the centre, ferry landing stage and other work.

Hutchison has appealed against non-determination of its application for redevelopment at Felixstowe and a public inquiry is now to be held.

n Who do you think should pay for the viewing area revamp, landing stage and visitor centre? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk

WEBLINKS: www.portoffelixstowe.co.uk

www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk