Tourism chiefs are hoping the opening of a new visitor centre and restaurant at Suffolk’s southern-most point will lead to a big increase in people enjoying the area’s attractions.

East Anglian Daily Times: Felixstowe Mayor and consort Jan and Jon Garfield with councillors Doreen Savage and Graham Newman enjoying fish and chips at the new Landguard visitor centre.Felixstowe Mayor and consort Jan and Jon Garfield with councillors Doreen Savage and Graham Newman enjoying fish and chips at the new Landguard visitor centre.

The centre at Landguard at Felixstowe is set to open on Wednesday, and was handed over to operator Tim Yeo, who also runs the town’s Bencotto, Fludyer Arms and The Alex restaurants, at a special ceremony of the keys.

East Anglian Daily Times: The official handover of the new Landguard Visitors Centre, Felixstowe Julie Smith and Hazel BainThe official handover of the new Landguard Visitors Centre, Felixstowe Julie Smith and Hazel Bain

The Port of Felixstowe has paid for the centre, which includes an interpretation area using the latest computer technology to tell people about Landguard Fort, Felixstowe Museum, the nature reserve, bird observatory, and the port viewing area on the peninsula, and other attractions around the resort.

It also has a screen showing the latest shipping movements, long-awaited toilets for the peninsula, and a 58-seat restaurant – including an outside terrace – with a panoramic view of Harwich Harbour.

Clemence Cheng, chief executive officer of port owners Hutchison Ports UK, said the viewing centre was a temporary measure and when the port’s next development takes place a new viewing area will be built with a permanent visitor centre.

He said: “The existing viewing area remains hugely popular and this new building is a great addition to the amenities available and will make the area even more popular in future.

“Improving the attraction of the area will help encourage more visitors to come to Felixstowe and boost the contribution tourism makes to the local economy.”

Mr Yeo said it was a very different project to his other venues but he was very excited about it.

He said: “I have always wanted to run a cafe and this area is always very busy. The view from the building is awesome, too.”

Landguard marketing and events co-ordinator Stephen Rampley said: “It’s going to be a huge benefit to Landguard and the wider town.”