Work to build a new pierhead at Felixstowe reached another milestone this weerk as the domes on top of the towers were delicately lifted into place.
Engineers oversaw the operation to position the black tops to the turrets, one of the distinctive features of the design at the landmark being regenerated in a multi-million pound project.
The team building the pier, understood to be costing around £3million, say it is still on course for completion later this summer – thanks to a lot of hard work and some good weather, particularly in the winter months, not disrupting the schedule.
Recruitment has also been taking place for front-of-house and kitchen staff at two new businesses opening on the pier – a new cafe-bar and a fish and chip shop.
Meanwhile, the main super-structure of the building has been completed following the installation of the roof, which began in April, and visitors can clearly now see how the finished pier will look.
There is still work to do outside, while contractors are busy on the services inside the buiding ahead of kitting it out.
The final piece in the project is expected to be the work to raise the level of the prom.
This will see the promenade sloping gently upwards in both directions to the height of the old doors at the top of the previous building’s entrance ramp and which is coincidentally the same height as the top of the sea wall.
The new level of the prom will then enable a walkway to be created from the Pier Bight area in front of the leisure centre – enabling people of all abilities to cross the sea wall and get into the pier building all year round.
A spokesman for the team said the project is on schedule to be completed on August 9.
Construction manager Julian Brandon and his workforce hammered into the beach 66 piles, and built the precast platform on which the new building stands before putting up the frame.
The new building will include cafe/bar with al fresco dining, bowling, modern food outlets, and a family entertainments centre.
It will be larger than the old one and include a boardwalk for promenading around the building over the beach and sea.
The part of the pier sticking out over the sea will also remain in place – though because it is unsafe, people will not be able to walk its length.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here