A SHORT-list of companies has been drawn up as the team behind the �2.76million project to renovate Felixstowe’s nationally-important seafront gardens prepares to award the contract for the work.

Specialist contractors were sought in a tendering process carried out during the latter part of the autumn.

Geoff Holdcroft, cabinet member for leisure and economic development, said a short-list had now been chosen and a decision would be made soon and the successful contractor would then be announced.

“We are now at the next important stage, where we need to appoint our partners who will carry out much of the physical works that will help transform the gardens and so play their part in the ongoing regeneration of Felixstowe,” he said.

“There is a wide range of works to be carried out that will not only give the gardens an exciting fresh new look, but will also restore much of what has made them so special for so many years, and have rightly gained them national heritage recognition.

“Our goal is to get someone appointed by March and get the transformation works underway in April which should mean they are all finished by the peak summer holiday period of 2014, giving even more strength to the slogan of ‘Felixstowe – Great Days by the Sea’.”

The main work will involve restoring the heritage features of the gardens, creating a major new public shelter overlooking the sea next to Felixstowe Town Hall, plus improved lighting and seating, a heritage trail, CCTV, improved public space, and enhanced gardens.