One of Felixstowe's most distinctive landmarks could soon be open to the public on a regular basis. East Suffolk Council is seeking a conservation architect to lead the conversion of Martello Tower P — a Grade II-listed Napoleonic-era fortification on Wireless Green — into a new visitor centre.
The tower is one of a chain of Martello towers built along the Suffolk and Essex coastline in the early 19th century as a defence against the threat of Napoleonic invasion. Tower P at Felixstowe is among the best preserved, and while it has been open for occasional public events in recent years, it has never had the permanent visitor facilities needed to make it a year-round attraction.
The conversion project, which was advertised through the Architects' Journal in December 2025, is looking for a practice with experience in historic building conservation. The brief calls for a design that respects the tower's heritage significance while creating a welcoming and accessible visitor experience — a balance that will require careful thought given the constraints of working within a listed structure.
The tower sits at the southern end of Felixstowe, close to Landguard Fort and the nature reserve, making it a natural addition to what is already one of the most historically rich corners of the town. A permanent visitor centre at Tower P could complement the existing offer at Landguard Fort and the Felixstowe Museum, creating a heritage trail that draws visitors to the southern end of the seafront.
The project is part of a broader effort to make more of Felixstowe's heritage assets. The town has a remarkable concentration of historical sites — from the Edwardian seafront architecture to the fort, the towers, and the port itself — but has sometimes struggled to present them in a way that attracts visitors and generates economic benefit. A well-designed visitor centre at Tower P could be a meaningful step in the right direction.
