Proposals are being drawn up to redevelop one of Felixstowe’s prime seafront hotels.

Architects have been appointed to remodel and extend the 49-bedroom Marlborough Hotel in Sea Road, with part of the site set to become apartments.

Residents attended an exhibition to see images of the proposed scheme and give their views on the initial ideas for the three-storey property, a prominent feature of the resort for almost a century.

Alec Howson, on behalf of CH Architects LLP, based in Clerkenwell Green, London, said: “The redevelopment includes the conversion of the existing Edwardian buildings into a hotel and flats, along with a new building on the site of the existing car park.”

The idea of the exhibition was to enable people living in the area to discuss any concerns, so that these could be addressed as part of the scheme and the preparation of the final plans. Once the project is complete, a planning application will be submitted to Suffolk Coastal District Council.

The popular hotel is also a major conference venue for Felixstowe, as well as hosting various events each year, including social functions and acting as a meeting place for organisations.

A reduction in hotel beds would be a further blow to the resort, which is already facing the eventual loss of the Waverley Hotel, whose owners have been granted consent to convert the clifftop property to homes and shops, with a new block of flats alongside, creating 23 apartments.

The former North Sea Hotel, in Sea Road, also currently stands empty.