Owners have approved plans to invest £2million in an upgrade at the Port of Ipswich and Ipswich Beacon Marina - which involves moving 39 vessels.

The new-look facilities will include the construction of 14 new berths on the northern side of the marina - formerly known as Neptune Marina.

But 39 vessels berthed on the northern side of the marina will have to relocate to the opposite side of the Wet Dock ahead of the winter period, said Associated British Ports (ABP) - which owns and operates the site.

"This decision comes after a thorough inspection, which confirmed that the existing pontoons on the northern side have reached the end of their usable life," it said.

There will be two purpose-built welfare buildings for boat owners - one of these will be located close to Neptune Quay and the other on the island.

ABP said it was "delighted" to announce board approval for the plans, which it expects to be approved by Ipswich Borough Council by the end of 2024.

Each of the welfare buildings will include toilets and showers, laundry facilities and other essential services for mariners.

There are also plans to create a dedicated space for the Ipswich Maritime Trust’s new Window Museum celebrating the town’s rich maritime history.

Upgraded wi-fi will also be included in the upgrade.

Divisional port manager (East Anglia) Paul Ager said: “We’re thrilled that the ABP Board has approved this significant investment in Ipswich Beacon Marina, a strong vote of confidence in Ipswich Waterfront.

"These plans reflect feedback from customers, stakeholders, and the wider public, who have expressed strong support for upgrading berthing facilities on the northern side of the Wet Dock.

“Safety is always ABP’s top priority. While we understand the relocation may cause disruption to some vessel owners, this decision is necessary to ensure the safety of marina users and our team.

"We are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible and our marina team is personally reaching out to affected berth holders and providing support on-site at the former Neptune Marina office.”

Ipswich Maritime Trust welcomed the plans.

“We’re thrilled at the prospect of expanding our ability to showcase Ipswich’s rich maritime history. If these upgrades are approved, it will create exciting opportunities to connect the community with the port’s historic legacy,” it said.

ABP said it was committed to maintaining Ipswich Waterfront as "a key feature" of the town and sustaining the marina’s prestigious Five Gold Anchor status, awarded earlier this year by The Yacht Harbour Association.

Subject to planning approval ABP expects the work to be completed by the summer of 2025.