Boats return to marina after £2m renovation work

Boats returned to parts of Ipswich Beacon Marina after a £2m redevelopment

Boats have returned to new pontoons at a marina after it underwent a major redevelopment.

Associated British Ports (ABP), owner of the Ipswich Beacon Marina, had been working on a £2m investment to upgrade and enhance facilities.

ABP said it had installed 15 new berths on the northern side of the wet dock, and boats had started to return this month after being moved for safety reasons.

Lucy Edmonds, marina manager at ABP, said: "We hope our customers enjoy the improved facilities and the fresh energy this brings to this side of our Five Gold Anchor Marina."

Plans to redevelop the marina were submitted to Ipswich Borough Council last year, with the application later approved by the council in December.

ABP said 93 pontoons from the wet dock were removed and replaced by 15 new ones in front of the University of Suffolk's main building.

New pontoons were built as part of the renovation by port owners Associated British Ports

The company had faced criticism from boat owners after they were given two weeks' notice to move their vessels.

As part of renovation plans, about 39 vessels had to be moved to the opposite side of the waterfront.

Ms Edmonds said ABP was "delighted" to welcome boats back to the pontoons.

"This is just one part of ABP's wider £2m investment in Ipswich Beacon Marina, and we're excited to be planning further updates – including upgraded welfare facilities – to continue enhancing the experience for our berth holders and visitors," she said.

A new foul water plant was also expected to be constructed at the site.