TICKETS are being offered for seats at a public meeting to see the multi-million pound project unveiled for a major new attraction on Felixstowe seafront.

By Richard Cornwell

TICKETS are being offered for seats at a public meeting to see the multi-million pound project unveiled for a major new attraction on Felixstowe seafront.

It is expected that there will be so much interest in the scheme that far more people will turn up than can get into the venue.

Council chiefs say the highly-unusual step of issuing tickets will help people guarantee one of the 200 places available.

The meeting at Felixstowe Leisure Centre on Wednesday May 8 will be the first time the proposals for the 17-acre south seafront have been shown to the public.

Suffolk Coastal council has given the go-ahead to its partnership developer Bloor Homes to draw up plans which will show the public how the site – earmarked for a maritime attraction and homes – could look.

David Smith, cabinet member leading on the project, said a special task group and the council cabinet had agreed the concept for the development.

"For reasons of commercial confidentiality, these discussions had to be held behind closed doors but next month will be the first chance for the public to have their say," said Mr Smith.

"We were shown an updated concept for the site which was put under the microscope by our task group and the cabinet and the developers will come back in May with more detailed plans which we want as many people as possible to look at and give their comments about."

Residents living next to the site between Orford Road and Manor Terrace will receive a personal invitation to the meeting, as will the West End of Felixstowe Residents' Association (WEFRA) and other residents associations.

The plans will go on display at Felixstowe Leisure Centre from May 6 so anyone who cannot attend the meetings can still find out what is currently being proposed and give their comments.

There will also be special presentations of the plans to the Resort Regeneration Forum on May 20 and Felixstowe Town Council two days later.

"These are not intended to be the final plans, nor will it be the last chance for people to make an input on the ultimate scheme," said Mr Smith.

"This will be an opportunity for people to help shape the scheme before the developers come back with a planning application when local residents will be formally consulted.

"I am looking forward to the plans being revealed and I am sure that many others are anxious to see the wraps taken off this scheme which should be a massive boost for Felixstowe."

Anyone wanting a ticket for May 8 can call Sue Edwards at Suffolk Coastal on 01394 444337, or email susan.edwards@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk

Bury St Edmunds-based Bloor Homes have the task of providing a leisure development with a maritime theme, including numerous eye-catching features, play opportunities, landscaping, car parking and toilets. The project is to be funded by new homes being built.

WEBLINK: www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk