Archived press
release.
The renovation of the Felixstowe Seafront Gardens is one step
closer as the final round grant application for £2.2 million
towards the project is submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF)
for consideration.
After public consultations in July and December last year,
residents views have been used to shape the designs that will be
submitted. After being signed off by Cllr Mary Neale, Cabinet
Member for Countryside and Leisure and the Seafront Gardens project
team, the grant application will now be sent to the HLF this
week.
“Thanks to the vital input of local residents and the hard work
of the project team and design consultants Lanarca, the designs
have been revised and finalised and we are confident the HLF will
be impressed with what we have come up with,” said Cllr Mary
Neale.
Included in the designs for the gardens are improved access,
seating and lighting, restored ponds and heritage features, a
heritage trail, an outdoor performance space and a special shelter
that will become a focal point for the gardens closest to the Town
Hall.
“The gardens are important to many residents and visitors to the
area so it is important that they are restored to a high standard.
The gardens are recognised for their important historical
background, being Grade II listed on the National Register of Parks
and Gardens of Special Historic Interest.
“When drawing up the designs for the gardens the views of
residents and visitors were very important. The public
consultations have shaped plans based on residents and visitors
needs and what is important to them. Many letters of support have
also been received and the range of community involvement is a
great strength of our bid and is something the HLF will be looking
for,” added Cllr Neale.
After considering the submission, and visiting the gardens, the
HLF should give notification of whether the bid has been successful
in June. The design team will then be appointed to take the scheme
to completion. It is anticipated that works will commence on site
around September 2012 and should take about a year to complete. The
total project costs are in the region of £2.7 million with the
other matched funding coming from Suffolk Coastal’s Local Authority
Business Grant Initiative, Haven Gateway Partnership and other
local sponsorship.
“Now that the Round 2 grant application is completed we are
eager to find out the outcome and look forward to putting our
exciting designs and plans for the gardens into action should we be
successful,” added Cllr Neale.
To view the final design plans that were submitted as part of the
bid and application process so far residents and visitors can visit
www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/yourdistrict/felixstowefutures/projects/seafrontgardens