FEARS have been voiced today that a new maritime-themed park at Felixstowe will not have the “wow factor” needed to bring more visitors to the resort.

East Anglian Daily Times: New homes almost ready in Orford Road on the edge of Felixstowe's south seafront site.New homes almost ready in Orford Road on the edge of Felixstowe's south seafront site. (Image: Archant)

Town councillors were expecting the maritime-themed park to have a real “wow factor” – providing a new leisure experience for both residents and to bring extra visitors to the resort.

East Anglian Daily Times: New homes under construction on the first phase of Felixstowe's south seafront site.New homes under construction on the first phase of Felixstowe's south seafront site. (Image: Archant)

Original plans submitted said it would cost £2million and feature play facilities such as dancing water jets and a climb-on galleon.

Now this appears to have been reduced to £1.2m.

The park was the trade-off which persuaded councillors to ditch long-held hopes of a major tourist attraction being built on the resort’s 17-acre south seafront and allow a 127-home estate to be built instead.

Suffolk Coastal council and Bloor Homes struck a deal for the project which is set to net Bloor £31.7m from the houses, the first phase of which is currently under construction with homes for sale at £245,000 and £249,000.

In exchange for the land, the council will get some cash towards refurbishment of the Martello Tower, public car parking, and a park with play areas, picnic and wildlife areas, and a piece of land for a potential beachside café.

But the quality and quantity of the leisure facilities is worrying town councillors – and they, and Felixstowe Futures, have sent strong letters of concern to Suffolk Coastal chief executive Stephen Baker seeking answers.

Andy Smith, chairman of the plans committee, said the intention had been to allow enough homes to fund the play facilities and everyone was expecting attractions with a “wow factor”.

“There is considerable concern among Felixstowe councillors that we cannot find out any of the detail of what is being proposed and a suspicion that it is not going to be anywhere near as exciting or anywhere near as good as an attraction for the resort as we had hoped and discussed,” he said.

Suffolk Coastal said it wanted to ensure the “best possible deal” from the sale of the land and gain £1.2m much-needed leisure attractions for a key part of the resort.

“We have achieved an exciting range of play facilities for children of all ages, whether they be visitors or those living in the proposed homes or other local residents,” said a spokesman.

“Felixstowe Town Council has been fully consulted as the plans have developed and the layouts of the facilities have been finalised, and we are having regular meetings with Bloors and the town council as the development proceeds.

“We have worked hard to achieve a scheme that both successfully enhances the South Seafront area and keeps any ongoing costs to the council taxpayer down to a minimum.”