Ipswich Cornhill reopens as part of £3.6m revamp

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Ipswich's Cornhill was once labelled a "bit shabby" by ex Marks & Spencer boss Lord Rose

A town centre square, once described as "a bit shabby" has reopened after a £3.6m revamp.

The new-look Cornhill in Ipswich features fresh paving, a water feature, new benches and ornamental trees.

Work on the project started in January and has been finished, except for a few finishing touches, in time for this month's Christmas lights switch-on.

Ipswich Vision, a partnership project for the town, said it had the "wow factor".

Terry Hunt, chairman of the group, said: "Suffolk's county town now has a real 'wow factor' for shoppers, visitors and residents alike.

"The new Cornhill is something we can all be proud of and I am confident it will be a real boost to businesses."

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Fountains have been added to the new-look Cornhill

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Ipswich Borough Council hopes to have events on the Cornhill during December

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Four stone columns are still to be added to the Cornhill, inside the hoardings on the left

Former Marks & Spencer boss Lord Stuart Rose had previously criticised the main town centre square.

In 2012, he said the Cornhill had become "a bit shabby" and it should become a "natural congregation point for events and music".

Developers will return at some point to install four "stone gateways".

Ipswich Borough Council said a real Christmas tree will be added to the Cornhill in time for the lights switch on, on 22 November.

Image source, Ipswich Borough Council
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The "stone gateways" are including in the bottom right of this artist's impression

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The lit-up fountains had been on display earlier in the week

Roxanne Williams, from Ipswich, said the renovated Cornhill was "no way" value for money.

She said there was a lack of seating and they had "spent a long time doing time doing it", but it was "disappointing".

Ernest Goddard, also from the town, said it was "quite attractive" and was "going to add a lot to the town centre", while Ross Tricker, from Ipswich, said it was a "big improvement on the dated and damaged Cornhill".

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