Felixstowe: Local model maker to create scale model of pier
MODEL maker Russell Clarke is getting ready for a fresh challenge – to make a scale replica of the proposed new Felixstowe pier.
Mr Clarke, 83, made a model of the previous plans to revamp the pier a decade ago, when the idea was to create a �15million Sea Dome with the world’s largest revolving restaurant.
The new plans – for which pier owner Stan Threadwell has secured private funding – feature amusements and leisure activities, a function suite for 325 people, bars and restaurants, and a high-tech shipping observation tower.
“I think the plans look really good and it would be a great challenge to make a model to give the public a really good idea of how the finished building will appear,” said Mr Clarke, of Boyton Road, Ipswich.
He was a model-maker for 49 years, making a range of models of buildings, vehicles and other items.
He gave up the work and sold almost all of his models to a collector in order to look after his wife Gwen when she became ill. She died in November last year at the age of 79.
“Since my wife died I have been looking for ways to occupy my time and I’ve got itchy fingers now and would love to make another really good model,” he said.
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He expects the model to be around 18 inches wide, 27 inches long and nine inches high.
Suffolk Coastal councillors will make the final decision this autumn.
