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Ipswich construction firm begins work on prestigious Felixstowe golf project

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Attwells Solicitors

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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.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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Attwells Solicitors

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The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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