STUDENTS at University Campus Suffolk have been challenged to develop innovative designs for a new visitor centre at Landguard in Felixstowe.

Ipswich Star: Landguard peninsula at Felixstowe.Landguard peninsula at Felixstowe. (Image: Archant)

The Landguard Partnership teamed up with BA (Hons) interior architecture and design students from UCS to design a centre to inform, educate and, at the same time, entertain visitors.

After presenting their ideas to representatives of Landguard Fort Trust and the Port of Felixstowe, the students were praised for their understanding and design skills.

Paul Grant, Landguard Fort operations manager, said: “The students involved certainly rose to the challenge and the resulting designs demonstrated an understanding and appreciation of the environment and requirements, along with a considerable talent for innovative design.

“Those of us from the Landguard Partnership that attended the presentations were extremely impressed by the enthusiasm, hard work and high standards achieved.”

The interior architecture and design course at UCS is committed to instilling within students the ambition to challenge convention, take risks and try out new ideas through an investigative design lens.

Final year leader Dr Mike Doherty said: “Capturing the essence of the fort along with the activities of Felixstowe port within one built structure is not an easy task. However, all partners were in agreement that the four submissions presented by our students did just that.

“The exercise was a huge success and we look forward to a lasting relationship between the interior architecture and design course team, our students, the Landguard Partnership and associated stakeholders.”

As part of the Port of Felixstowe’s expansion, a new interim visitor centre and café will be put in place at Landguard this spring.

When the next phase of the port’s development is built a permanent centre will be created and it is hoped UCS and the Landguard Partnership will work together on the project.