A new iconic café on Felixstowe seafront has been completed, bringing a new resort experience one step closer, according to councillors.

After starting work in August 2020, Barnes Construction have now completed the build of the new landmark building, which will house a new café named 'The Kitchen @ Felixstowe', run by East Suffolk Council's operational partner, The Kitchen @ Group.

East Suffolk Council handed over the key of the iconic café to Cameron Marshall, owner of The Kitchen @ Group, who has begun the fit out of the internal space which will include a bakery counter, contemporary brasserie type menu and unrivalled sea views.

Once completed, the café will play a key role in helping the town as it continues recovering from the impact of Covid-19, attracting local people and visitors alike by offering indoor and outdoor dining with unspoilt views of the seafront. This will not only support tourism, but it will also help the economy by offering local employment opportunities, making the South Seafront an exciting place to visit, live, work and invest.

The ambitious project is being delivered by East Suffolk Council, Barnes Construction, the Kitchen @ Group, Plaice Design, Superstructures and Gill Associates.

Mr Marshall said: Cameron Marshall said: "We're very excited to be part of this amazing project in Felixstowe and cannot wait to open and be part of the local and visiting community.

"Unfortunately, due to Covid, we have had several setbacks which have been out of our control, but we are fully committed to getting the internal fit out completed and to be open by Spring 2022.

"We thank everyone for their continued support and interest."

Cllr Craig Rivett, East Suffolk's Deputy Leader and cabinet member for economic development, said: "Despite the challenges we have all faced due to Covid-19 over the past many months, it is great that work has been able to continue on this development, which will transform the South Seafront for many years to come, ensuring it is a thriving place where people want to go, meet and spend their money.

"Now more than ever, this café is hugely important to Felixstowe and the local economy as not only will it provide a new eatery next to the beautiful seaside, attracting both local people and visitors, but it will also support economic growth and provide new employment opportunities as we hopefully continue to emerge from the impact of coronavirus.

"This is a very exciting time for the Dedham Boathouse Group to come in and play an active part in the resurgence of Felixstowe.

"The South Seafront has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years and East Suffolk Council has invested a lot in revitalising the area. We believe it is vital that we continue to build on this investment and create developments that benefits local businesses and people as well as visitors to the area."