Decision Details

That Cabinet:

1. Approved the adoption of the Felixstowe Seafront Development Strategy at Appendix A to this report. 

2. Approved the priority projects identified by the strategy to be developed up to RIBA 3 using the Felixstowe South Development allocation in the Council’s Capital Programme.

The proposed recommendations are grounded in extensive public consultation, technical studies, and engagement with key stakeholders and partners. Over 700 responses to the public survey during consultation in June 2025 indicated strong support for the priorities identified in the Strategy. In addition, extensive consultation and engagement with local politicians and Cabinet members at key milestones in the development of the strategy has taken place.

Adopting the Strategy provides a clear mandate for the Council to proceed with impactful, priority project improvements that address pressing needs and create a strong foundation for future investment. It also provides a solid foundation for Felixstowe seafront ahead of future local government changes.

Not to approve the Felixstowe Seafront Development Strategy. This will result in abortive work and will leave the south seafront of Felixstowe without a vision for future investment and development. This option is not recommended.

Approve the Felixstowe Seafront Development Strategy but without authorisation to utilise the existing capital funding allocated to the South Seafront to deliver the RIBA stage 3 of work. This would endorse the strategy but would not see any Council led progress to deliver against the strategy which would be a missed opportunity to implement some short-term and lower cost enhancements to the area. As funding in the capital programme is already allocated to the South Seafront and no further capital ask 
is requested, this option is not recommended.

Approve the Felixstowe Seafront Development Strategy with authorisation to spend against the £2.7m budget already allocated in the MTFS to the South Seafront to deliver the RIBA stage 3 of work (detailed design, surveys and QS for all priority projects).

To return to Full Council for full capital funding for the priority projects once the RIBA stage 3 work is complete. This option would allow for the strategy to be formally approved and see the development of RIBA stage 3 work to clarify the costs and deliverability of the priority projects and help to minimise overall risk in the portfolio. This option is recommended.