Proposals have been put forward to set up a new “leisure zone” on Felixstowe seafront as part of a major project to improve recreation at the resort.

FELIXSTOWE: Proposals have been put forward to set up a new “leisure zone” on Felixstowe seafront as part of a major project to improve recreation at the resort.

The area - between the Spa Pavilion and leisure centre - could include winter gardens, water sports, a community theatre, health and fitness club, new exhibition centre, hotel and conference facilities and more restaurants, cafes and bars.

Consultants have undertaken a �30,000 leisure needs analysis for the seaside town and the twin Trimley villages to identify how leisure and recreation can be improved over the next 15 years as the area expands and is regenerated.

Suffolk Coastal, co-ordinating the project, is to form a group from private and public organisations to draw up an action plan.

A report to the council's cabinet on Tuesday says a co-ordinated approach is needed to develop leisure opportunities, building on the strengths of the town and villages, modernising facilities and providing extra ones which are needed.

The aim will be to boost leisure for both residents and visitors to make Felixstowe “a town at the forefront of sporting and cultural tourism in the region, regularly attracting high profile regional, national and occasional international sporting and cultural events”.

Schemes will be developed across the town. The new �32 million school project could provide high-quality community sports facilities.

Consultants Cowan Global said the leisure zone could be a big success, using the existing leisure centre and theatre, gardens, seafront and pier, and the Convalescent Hill car park.

“The proposals for the leisure zone are based on needs expressed by the public and by clubs and societies through the consultation process, expansion of the private sector health and leisure operators, and improved facilities which are currently available elsewhere in the town,” they said.

What new leisure facilities does Felixstowe need? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk