£2m Neptune Marina revamp to begin in March

Why it matters: Associated British Ports' (ABP) £2m investment aims to secure the marina's future for decades, following recent safety concerns that led to the relocation of 39 vessels from the northern side.

The big picture: The project includes replacing 93 existing pontoons with 15 new ones, while adding modern facilities to enhance the waterfront experience:

• 14 new fully serviced berths for vessels up to 24 metres

• Modern welfare buildings with showers, toilets and laundry facilities

• A new home for the Ipswich Maritime Trust's Window Museum

• Upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity for marina users

What they're saying: "While we understand the relocation may cause disruption to some vessel owners, this decision is necessary to ensure the safety of both marina users and our team," said Paul Ager, ABP's Divisional Port Manager for East Anglia, speaking to Ipswich.co.uk in December.

Lee Walker , CEO of Ipswich Central , added at the time: "In the short-term it is understandable that there may be concern about the relocation of boats for safety reasons, but the major investment proposed will help to ensure the Marina's long-term future for everyone."

The details: The development includes:

• A foul water treatment plant

• Two welfare buildings with toilets and showers

• New facilities will be located in the private car park opposite Duke Street car park

What's next: ABP aims to complete the project by the summer of 2025 and will keep the community updated through its website and social media channels.

The bottom line: While the sudden relocation of boats has caused some concern, ABP's £2m investment signals a long-term commitment to the waterfront, combining essential safety improvements with better facilities for boat owners and the wider community.