A new seaside development of beach huts and landscaped public greenspace in Felixstowe has been officially opened.

Following its completion in October, the new Seashore Village attraction, which features 27 traditional-style timber beach huts provided by East Suffolk Council, has been officially opened. An opening ceremony took place on Thursday 7 December, attended by councillors, officers and stakeholder representatives, including those that worked on the construction. The Seashore Village is part of a wider regeneration project on land between Sea Road and the Promenade, with a neighbouring activity park which opened in the summer.

Each timber hut was purpose-built by PJ Spillings Ltd before being assembled on the South Seafront site, set around a central 'fish-shaped' lawn, created by Plaice Design architects. Led by Gipping Construction, work was overseen by Hollins Architects.

The area was entirely re-landscaped, with ramp access installed and new public toilets built to include Changing Places facilities for people requiring more space for mobility or assistance. The nearby carpark has also been remodelled to allow better access to the site and provide more accessible spaces for wheelchair users.

Cllr Paul Ashton, East Suffolk's cabinet member for Corporate Services cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony. He said: "The Seashore Village provides high-quality, attractive and accessible facilities for everyone to benefit from and enjoy, and along with other recent improvements in the South Seafront, enhances the area for local residents and will help to bring even more visitors to the town."

Final preparations now proceed on the hireable 'pod style' beach chalets, designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind. The building has an adaptable form and can be configured for use as five single accessible chalet spaces or opened-up for larger groups, providing a flexible and access-friendly facility. For enquiries on chalet hire, please contact [email protected]

Huts are being sold on a long-lease arrangement and interested parties should contact [email protected]

The development forms part of wider investment in the South Seafront area, where the Martello Park has delivered new homes, a play area and new car parking facilities.

East Suffolk Council also invested in the development of an award-winning contemporary café, the refurbishment of two public shelters, the long-term maintenance of an historic Martello Tower and improved access linking the pavement along Sea Road and Orford Road to the beachfront.