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Search the Public Notice PortalA part of Ipswich is to start being transformed later this month in a "welcome" change to the area.
Arras Square, next to the Buttermarket, will undergo a major change starting on June 22, more than three years on since plans were first submitted for the site.
The project will be carried out in four phases to keep pedestrian routes open throughout construction.
The plans include new and upgraded paving, a disabled access ramp, improved lighting and CCTV, extra litter bins, and new seating and benches.
As part of the improvements, new trees will be planted and demountable bollards installed on St Stephen’s Lane to support pedestrianisation.
The news has been welcomed by Ipswich leaders.
Ipswich Borough Councillor for the Alexandra ward, David Plowman, said: "It is welcome news that Arras Square is finally going to be developed following an unfortunate delay.
"This busy area of the town will now become a welcoming space for people to sit under the shade of trees, rest, chat and enjoy the old and new architecture of Ipswich."
Lee Walker, Ipswich Central chief executive, said: “As a popular public space in the centre of town, it’s great that contractors will soon start work to improve Arras Square.
With new public art, seating, enhanced CCTV and lighting, new greening and celebration of local heritage included in the plans, all of these elements support our vision for town centre improvements as identified in our five-year plan.
“We look forward to completion of these works and shoppers enjoying the new and improved look and feel of the space once the work is complete."
Councillor Neil MacDonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: "This is an exciting step forward for Arras Square and the wider town centre.
"These improvements will create a more attractive, safer and accessible space for residents, businesses and visitors to enjoy.
"We know how important it is to support local businesses during this time, which is why the works have been carefully phased to maintain access and minimise disruption as much as possible.
"Once complete, the scheme will help transform the area into a more welcoming and pedestrian-friendly space, while celebrating Ipswich’s unique heritage and connections with Arras."
Work will start later this month, and is expected to finish later in the year.
The development of Arras Square
Arras Square was created in the 1990s to mark Ipswich’s twinning with the French town of Arras, taking its name from the historic squares at the heart of that northern French city.
Framed by St Stephen’s Church, now being converted into a live music and community venue, the space has long been used mainly as a pedestrian cut‑through.
After several years of delay and rising design costs, work is now starting on a major revamp with new paving, step‑free access, planting, seating, lighting, CCTV and cycle facilities.
The redesign also includes public art and a heritage panel with a French post box to celebrate the Ipswich–Arras link.
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