FELIXSTOWE: A draft masterplan for the �2million refurbishment of Felixstowe’s seafront gardens is to be unveiled next month.

Proposals include restoring heritage buildings, improving access and lighting, creating a visitor and education centre, a public performance space and opportunities for children to play.

People will be able to see the plans for the Spa Gardens at a two-day exhibition – and give their comments.

“The consultation will give people a chance to look at the plans that are coming together and share their views on how they use the seafront gardens and what they would like to see improved,” said Mary Neale, Suffolk Coastal cabinet member for countryside and leisure.

“This is a great opportunity for residents to come along and have their say and get involved. The suggestions we receive from this latest consultation will help us ensure that the plans for the regeneration of the gardens best suit the community.”

Julie Smith, chairman of the Friends of Felixstowe Seafront Gardens group, said work on developing proposals for the Heritage Lottery Fund bid – to be made in February – had progressed well.

The exhibition will take place in the Courtroom Gallery at Felixstowe Town Hall on July 16 from 11am to 5pm and July 17 from 11am to 3pm. The displays will be staffed on both days from 11am to 2.30pm.

Visitors will see a slide show of the gardens over the past 100 years and artwork commissioned by the Reunion Gallery in Felixstowe providing impressions of the gardens past, present and future.

The artwork will also be on display from July 10 to September 4 in the Reunion Gallery.

n Should the gardens be refurbished? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN.