Bury St Edmunds Cupola House crowning feature restored after fire

The new cupola weighs five tonnes and was lifted in three sections

The crowning feature of a 17th Century listed townhouse has been restored after the building was gutted by fire.

The Cupola House in Bury St Edmunds was left as a shell after the fire began in the kitchen in 2012.

The new cupola, a rounded vault-type structure, has been raised 60ft (20m) above the pavement and placed on to the roof. The roof will be built around it.

The building, which dates from 1693, reopened as a restaurant in 2004 after a £500,000 restoration project.

The Grade II listed Cupola House was restored and the building reopened in 2004

The building was gutted by fire which began on 16 June 2012

The extent of the damage could be seen from the rear of the building, which was a Prada restaurant

The cupola was lifted by crane from the pavement on the Traverse in the town centre.

'Beloved building'

When work is complete and the coverings removed from around the building, the cupola will again be visible from the A14.

Simon Marks, associate with the architects Purcell, said: "It's very satisfying to see the most defining feature of this landmark back where it belongs."

The cupola was lifted the sheeting and scaffolding which surrounds the building on the Traverse

The cupola was moved into position on the new metal girders which form the frame of the restoration

John Griffiths, leader of St Edmundsbury Borough Council, said: "Restoring this iconic landmark to the town's skyline is so welcomed and is returning a beloved building to the community."

The latest restoration is expected to cost at least £1m.