Your chance to comment on new look for Ipswich Cornhill

Updated designs showing the proposed new look for Ipswich Cornhill have today been published – and now it is your turn to say what you think of them.

The designs show the major part of the Cornhill will be raised to give a flat area between the front of Debenhams and the entrance to the Cornhill.

A new water feature could be created on the new flat surface – and there will be space for some market stalls.

Other stalls will be moved to the pedestrianised Queen Street area and Giles’ Circus, on the other side of the Town Hall/Corn Exchange complex.

The consultation for the £3.2m project formally starts tomorrow when there is an exhibition at the Town Hall during the afternoon and all day on Saturday.

The project team will be on hand on both occasions to explain both the designs and the proposed programme. Anyone who cannot make those dates can go to www.ipswichvision.org.uk/cornhill, look at the designs and comment online.

The project by the Ipswich Vision Group aims to inject new life and business into the heart of the town and exploratory work has already begun, with boreholes and archaeological trenches being dug.

Ipswich council is leading the project on behalf of the Vision Group and it is being funded by the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership(LEP), the borough and Suffolk County Council.

The only designs submitted so far have been at the concept stage and architects Hall McKnight have now developed them and produced new designs.

The final design will be the subject of a planning application later this year, at which people will have a further opportunity to comment.

Borough Leader David Ellesmere said: “This is an exciting project to boost the town centre for residents, visitors and businesses but we want to ensure we have the widest possible consultation.

“The latest designs will be developed after we find out what the public thinks.”

Cabinet Member for Ipswich at Suffolk County Council, Christopher Hudson, said: “This project supports the continued renaissance of our county town.

“We are very pleased to be investing in this work along with Ipswich Borough Council and other local partners to see it happen.

“I hope local people really engage with this consultation and offer their thoughts on what is a very exciting project for Ipswich.”

Ipswich MP Ben Gummer said: “We are making good progress on the Cornhill and I would like to pay tribute to the borough, Ipswich Central and the other Vision partners for pushing this through.”

Mark Pendlington, Chairman of New Anglia LEP, said: “We have a great opportunity to create a vibrant town centre that will be a magnet to attract new retailers and leisure businesses and create a thriving hub which will unlock further economic benefits across the town.

“I urge everyone from business to shoppers and residents to look at these exciting designs and play their part in the regeneration of Ipswich.”

Ipswich Central chairman Terry Baxter said: “An improved focal point for the town is something which businesses have longed for and the work of the Ipswich Vision has been vital in securing the finding for a rejuvenated Cornhill.

“The designs for its new look bring it much more in line with the modern feel the town centre craves and I hope local people embrace this as a change for a better, brighter, more prosperous town centre.”