This English seaside town with an award-winning beach is set for a multimillion-pound project – and new coastal gardens

The east Sussex seaside town of Felixstowe is probably best known for having the largest and busiest container port in the whole of the UK. That’s kind of cool, if you happen to be really into cargo ships, but it’s not really the sort of thing that’s going to draw tourists in. Felixstowe has much more to offer, though. And now, the council is working on a project to help the town reach its full potential and become the next hottest seaside destination. 

Already, there’s Felixstowe Pier, a classic amusement park with arcade games, penny machines, mini bowling, and cafés, plus the promenade lining South Beach, which is lined with Victorian buildings, beach huts and ice cream shops. But that’s all set to get a facelift. East Sussex council’s South Seafront Project will focus on giving new life to the two-mile stretch from Felixstowe Pier to the Languard peninsula. Specifically, the aim is to ensure that the seafront is a thriving, viable tourist destination and to ‘make it an attractive place to live, work and visit all year round’, day and night. It’s hoped that the transformation will make way for new events and festivals in the area, too. 

In the short term, the project’s priorities include revamping the lights in four seafront shelters, adding new signs, introducing enhanced sustainable travel options and improving access to the seafront. Looking further ahead, the council is also toying with the idea of fully or partly pedestrianising the road that runs alongside the promenade, creating space for businesses to spill out with pop-up stores and outdoor seating, installing peaceful gardens and active areas, and adding planting and street furniture.  All in, the South Seafront Project is expected to cost £1.8 million. 

It’s still early days for the project and plans are still being developed. If the it all gets backing from councillors, it’s hoped that work can get going by the 2027/28 financial year. Work to replace columns, lanterns and festoon lighting along the promenade has already been given the green light and should be completed by spring 2027.

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