The much anticipated new restaurant in Martello Park is now set to open before Christmas after a change of use condition caused delays.

Called The Kitchen, the contemporary looking building at the junction of Sea Road and Orford Road in Felixstowe still has fencing around as contractors continue external work.

Costing an estimated £1.5m, funded by East Suffolk Council and the Coastal Communities Fund (CCF) and operated the Dedham Boathouse Group, developers applied to change a condition requiring the drum-looking part of the building at the back from a community space to a centralised kitchen area.

Plans from the development by Barnes Construction, architects Plaice Design, and the Dedham Boathouse Group were revealed last November which an original completion date set for this summer.

It is understood the application to council planners, along with a widespread materials shortage, have caused the delays to the venue's completion.

However, work to fit out the interior is due to start in September so booking can be taken for Christmas, for the clam-inspired development.

The Kitchen is set to become a key attraction at Martello Park, which also houses the Napoleonic Coast Watch tower where planned work could see it turned into a better used tourist attraction.

The park is also home to play areas, kiosks and car parking.

New restaurant venue on Felixstowe seafront revealed.