URGENT action is to be sought on a series of projects to regenerate Felixstowe and some of them could get under way sooner than later, it was revealed today.

URGENT action is to be sought on a series of projects to regenerate Felixstowe and some of them could get under way sooner than later, it was revealed today.

The group set up to generate millions of pounds through grant aid to improve the resort has identified a set of priorities.

The list does not rule out other projects, but is seen by the Felixstowe and Trimleys Futures Group as a possible list of “quick wins”.

Other schemes may take longer to finalise and secure funding bids for - with possibly an application to Europe for some funding.

The list of projects identified as needing “urgent action” are:

Development of The Triangle in Hamilton Road;

Redevelopment of the Ordnance site, including the bus station;

Reconstruction of the Long Shelter in the Spa Gardens;

Refurbishment of the pier;

Enhancement of Bent Hill;

Upgrade Trimley Welcome Hall;

Provide an all-weather pitch for the Trimleys;

Publicise the resort on the London Underground.

A large number of other ideas have been suggested and will need detailed research - including suggestions from consultants, who looked at the future of the town, of an Eden Project-style winter gardens on the seafront.

The group - whose members include councillors, council officials, and representatives from business plus the East of England Development Agency and Haven Gateway Partnership - will evaluate the projects early next year.

In the meantime, the group is to see if the Bent Hill scheme can be progressed quickly by using grant aid from EEDA which might be available now.

This would involve making the steep and winding hill more pedestrian-friendly by changes to its junctions to discourage drivers from using it as a through-route to the seafront, and also traffic calming in Undercliff Road West.

The group is also to help Trimley St Mary Parish Council seek grant aid to improve the Welcome Hall, which is used by community groups of all ages.

Chairman Stephen Bracewell said: “This will not be a talking shop, it is a group that only exists to deliver a future the Felixstowe and Trimley peninsula needs.”

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