CREATION of a multi-million pound new-style pier will involve a major and bold revamp of one of Felixstowe’s busiest sections of seafront, it was revealed today

Details of the plans were unveiled with the biggest shock being the demolition of the traditional concrete and timber pier sticking out over the bay.

Owners Pier Amusements have decided to focus their attention on the part of the landmark attached to the prom and build a futuristic new attraction to put the resort well and truly back on the tourist map.

The design – drawn up with Haydn Evans Consulting and Art-Tech – features many of the elements proposed in the previous scheme for a �15 million new pier, and is backed by the Ipswich and Felixstowe Star’s Bring Back the Pier campaign.

But the seaside leisure complex project goes much further than just a new pier, and will include revamping the area in front of the leisure centre and the derelict boating lake behind.

The new pier building will stick out further over the sea than the current arcade, with more than twice as much room for attractions and a range of new facilities on two storeys.

These will include a bowling centre, catering facilities, traditional arcade and gaming area, plus a bar and restaurant area with seaviews, continental-style ice cream parlour, and toilets.

There will also be a function suite able to seat up to 325 people, plus outside terraces, and a state-of-the-art observation tower with an entertainment experience using screens showing shipping movements to and from the Port of Felixstowe.

Both sides and a central curved deck will be surrounded by a 580ft boardwalk, enabling visitors to the pier to once again promenade out over the sea with views back to Felixstowe.

If the go-ahead is given, work would start next year with completion in 2014.

Stan Threadwell, of Pier Amusements Ltd, said: “After many successful years of trading we now feel with ever increasing competition in the leisure sector and demand for value and new experiences, the time is right to redevelop and reinvest in a new pier concept for Felixstowe and for the future, hoping to act as a catalyst to regenerate the immediate area and beyond.

“This will enable us to continue to offer traditional family entertainment on a 52-week-a-year basis, come rain or shine, in a new vibrant and modern way, as demonstrated so successfully at Weston-super-Mare.

“At the same time we will be securing existing jobs and creating additional employment opportunities.”