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Ipswich construction firm begins work on prestigious Felixstowe golf project

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Ipswich-based construction firm SEH French has started work on the ambitious development at Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club that will transform one of England's oldest clubs.

The project includes:

  • A 1,020 sq m new clubhouse with public café and toilets

  • Five luxury villas marketed as the Balfour Place development

  • Environmental features including a living roof and solar panels

  • A+ energy rating for improved sustainability

Phil Branton, Mick Thomas and Paul Rodwell at Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club
Phil Branton, Mick Thomas and Paul Rodwell at Felixstowe Ferry Golf ClubFelixstowe Ferry Golf Club/Anglia Picture Agency

Behind the scenes: More than 300 lorry loads of soil are being excavated at the start of the build, which will be reused on the golf course rather than sent to landfill.

Looking ahead: The development aims to secure the club's future while maintaining its heritage, according to Mick Thomas, Chairman of Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club. "Not only does this provide a fabulous new facility for our members and visitors to the club, but crucially, it will preserve the opportunity of golf for future generations."

Environmental focus: The design prioritises environmental integration, explained Phil Branton, Director at architects Wincer Kievenaar. "We have enjoyed bringing this thoughtful and innovative design to life, harmonising the new clubhouse and houses with their surroundings," he said. "Working within a National Landscape, we embraced a collaborative and problem-solving approach to realise our client's vision."

What's next:

  • Work is expected to be completed in 2026

  • Three of the luxury homes remain available for purchase

  • The new clubhouse will be fitted with solar panels to power its operations

Bottom line: "It is an honour for us to work alongside such a historic club on this prestigious project," said SEH French Director Simon Girling, as the Ipswich-based construction firm breaks ground on the transformation of one of England's oldest golf clubs.

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Suffolk Libraries CEO requests county council 'listen to reason' as takeover decision looms

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With over 22,000 petition signatures opposing the plan, the library charity makes its final appeal before today's cabinet meeting.

Why it matters: Hours before Suffolk County Council's cabinet meets to decide on taking the library service back in-house, Suffolk Libraries is highlighting what it claims Suffolk residents will lose under council management.

The big picture: The charity has run Suffolk's libraries for 12 and a half years and claims the takeover would jeopardise nearly £2.5m in annual financial benefits and numerous innovative services.

Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries, and the County Library in Ipswich
Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries, and the County Library in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers: Suffolk Libraries says its charity status delivers substantial financial advantages:

  • £690,000 contributed by Friends' groups for furniture, equipment and refurbishments

  • £150,000 yearly from running prison libraries

  • £500,000 in rates relief due to charity status

  • Nearly £100,000 raised annually through fundraising

  • Almost £1m yearly in grant funding only available to charitable organisations

What they're saying: "We urge Suffolk County Council to listen to reason, to stand by its stated mission 'to make a positive difference for Suffolk', and 'striving to improve, and securing the best possible services'," said Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries.

He pleaded: "Ensure the people of Suffolk continue to benefit from the outstanding library service which has been heralded as the benchmark for excellence within the industry. Please don't make such an important decision based on flawed figures which so many Suffolk residents are clearly opposed to."

Beyond the money: Suffolk Libraries warns that several services may not continue under council control:

  • Arts Council funded programmes

  • Health and wellbeing projects such as Menopause & Me and Moving Minds

  • Community-led initiatives including Men Can Talk and LGBTQIA+ groups

  • The Be Kind to a Kid Christmas toy appeal that donated over 6,000 toys to families in need

The volunteer factor: In 2023-24, over 1,200 volunteers provided 35,500 volunteering hours to the service. The charity says many volunteers "have already stated that they will not continue if the library service is run by the county council."

For context: Suffolk Libraries has achieved numerous industry innovations, including:

  • First library service with a dedicated wellbeing team

  • One of the first to offer libraries as warm spaces during the cost-of-living crisis

  • First to loan eReader devices to customers

  • First to develop its own self-service technology, saving around £100,000

The bottom line: With growing opposition from local residents, MPs, backbench councillors and other key stakeholders, Suffolk Libraries is making a final appeal for the county council to "return to the negotiating table" before the cabinet makes its decision.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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