A NEW visitor centre for one of Felixstowe’s top tourist attractions has arrived – and should be open later this spring.

East Anglian Daily Times: An artist's impression of the inside of the new temporary Landguard visitor centre, which should be up and running by late May.An artist's impression of the inside of the new temporary Landguard visitor centre, which should be up and running by late May. (Image: Archant)

The modular building was lifted directly on to its footings by a crane, and now work will take place to complete the connections for water and electricity.

Extra parking and pedestrian pathways are already in place for the project next to the port viewing area at the end of Viewpoint Road.

It is hoped the centre will be open by the late May bank holiday.

Landguard marketing and events co-ordinator Stephen Rampley said it would not take long to connect up the services and then work could take place to fit out the kitchen for the operator.

The visitor centre – which will be replaced with a permanent building when the Port of Felixstowe undertakes the second phase of the redevelopment of Landguard Terminal in a few years’ time – will provide a focal point for those arriving to find out what there is to do at the different attractions.

Mr Rampley said: “It’s going to be real asset for Landguard.

“As well as providing somewhere to eat and drink, it will enable people arriving here to get a bit of an idea of what there is to see and do at Landguard and really plan their day out.”

The centre will feature much-needed toilets, an exhibition hall, and a top quality 58-seat restaurant with panoramic view of Harwich Harbour.

Part of the scheme will be an interpretation project, using the latest computer technology to tell people about Landguard Fort, Felixstowe Museum, the nature reserve, bird observatory, and the port viewing area.