Port could see £2m of changes if approved

Plans for upgrades and improvements at the port have been submitted

Revised plans have been submitted to make changes to a town's port facilities after boat owners criticised the original proposals.

Associated British Ports (ABP), the owner and operator of the Port of Ipswich and the Ipswich Beacon Marina, has submitted fresh plans.

A scheme, unveiled in 2023, would have seen boat owners at the town's marina having to relocate which many criticised.

ABP's regional port manager, Paul Ager, said compromises had since been made and he wanted the area "to thrive".

"We want the Beacon Marina to be welcoming for boat owners and visiting crews," he said.

"We are making a major investment in Ipswich as a destination and want it to thrive.

"We have gone some way towards answering boat owners’ concerns.

"Waterfront visitors on the quayside will still be able to see a variety of craft moored here."

Ipswich has been a port town since Anglo Saxon times

Originally ABP wanted to remove all berths at the old Neptune Marina and install new pontoons with access from the island site instead, but received opposition from boat owners who did not want to move.

The new plans will instead see a section of new pontoons in the corner of this area, in front of Coprolite Street and the main university building.

Mr Ager said these would not extend as far as the Salthouse Harbour Hotel and Isaacs.

"There will be a pontoon there available for visiting craft, including historic vessels, to tie up," he added.

The new plans also include two purpose-built welfare buildings that will exclusively be used by boat owners.

One building would be close to Neptune Quay and the other on the island.

They will include toilets, showers, laundry facilities and other services for mariners.

ABP wants to offer a large space for Ipswich Maritime Trust to tell the story of the port and town.

The plans are pending permission from Ipswich Borough Council and the ABP board.

If approved work could commence at the beginning of 2025.