PROPOSALS for a multi-million pound facelift for an edge-of-port motel which is “falling into disrepair” have been given the go-ahead.

PROPOSALS for a multi-million pound facelift for an edge-of-port motel which is “falling into disrepair” have been given the go-ahead.

Planners have approved London-based tenants Blazedeal Ltd's scheme to turn the Routemaster outside Dock Gate One at Felixstowe into a Travelodge and business centre.

The 32-bed hotel is currently empty and its bar and restaurant, and function suite, closed down. In some places windows have been smashed and other areas are neglected.

A few businesses still have offices in another section of the 1960s-built property, which stands at the end of the A14 and start of Walton Avenue.

Suffolk Coastal council has now agreed proposals to revamp the building and extend it.

The site is owned by Trinity College, Cambridge.

Blazedeal will turn it into a 51-bed hotel with Travelodge, taking up nearly twice as much room as before, but still allowing 1,689 sq metres of offices.

There will be an extended bar and restaurant for use of hotel customers as well as office staff based in the companies using the property, plus another extension to create another floor.

Blazedeal's agent Robbie Grobler said: “The proposal aims to revitalise the site and bring it back into full use as it's quite rundown at present and in need of investment.”

The first phase of the regeneration programme will focus on the hotel, which will be operated by Travelodge Hotels Ltd, and provide the new offices, while the second phase will see the refurbishment of the existing and occupied office accommodation.

Does Felixstowe need a motel like this - and is the port the right area? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk