Work has started to demolish a century-old Suffolk golf clubhouse and replace it with new state-of-the-art new facilities, described as "stunning" by an estate agent.

Diggers have moved on to the site of Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club in Ferry Road this week to begin dismantling the clubhouse and pro-shop in preparation for the new clubhouse, which will include a members bar, function room, kitchen, guest accommodation and public toilets.

A public putting green is being included, along with a cafe - open to the public - at the higher ground level and five new detached homes, known as Balfour Place, are being built which will help to cover some of the £6 million cost of the project.

READ MORE: Homes, cafe and clubhouse go-ahead for golf complex revamp

The homes are being advertised by estate agent Exquisite Home and are named after A J Balfour, who was captain of the golf club in 1889 and British prime minister between 1902 and 1905.

Mike Bidwell, an agent with Exquisite Home, said ground was set to be broken to mark the start of the building of Balfour Place in September.

He said one out of the five homes had been sold, while in January 2022, this newspaper reported that four out of the five homes had been bought.

But Mr Bidwell said a number of buyers had withdrawn due to delays related to planning and the removal of the car park.

The three and four bedroom homes are on the market from £1.3 million.

He added: "It is a stunning new facility. It is fantastic news for the golf club."

East Suffolk Council approved the plans in December 2019 and has sold part of its Clifflands car park to the golf club for the project.

READ MORE: Construction to start on million-pound homes overlooking golf course this spring

An artist's impression of the new Balfour Place development at Felixstowe Ferry Golf ClubAn artist's impression of the new Balfour Place development at Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club (Image: Wincer Kievenaar) In documents to the council submitted with the original plans, architects Wincer Kievenaar said: “The club’s aim is to provide a functional, attractive and efficient clubhouse and facilities fit for the 21st century.

“The current clubhouse is an original farmhouse building, compromised through generations of alterations which does not best serve the needs of its members, or attract new players into the sport.

READ MORE: Felixstowe news

“The redevelopment seeks to safeguard the club’s medium/long term future now that the current facilities are no longer fit for purpose and at the end of their useful life.”

The club, founded in 1880, has two courses – an 18-hole championship links course and a nine-hole course.

The club has been approached for comment.

READ MORE: Suffolk news