The new-look Cornhill in Ipswich is about to be fully unveiled, following a £3.6million restoration. Here we look back at how it all took shape.

Ipswich Star: Work is continuing at Ipswich Cornhill. Picture: IPSWICH BOROUGH COUNCILWork is continuing at Ipswich Cornhill. Picture: IPSWICH BOROUGH COUNCIL (Image: Archant)

This photo, taken in January, shows the Cornhill before the transformation started, with the market in place.

Ipswich Star: Ipswich market on the Cornhill in January. Picture: ARCHANTIpswich market on the Cornhill in January. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

As the project began, this image gave people in Ipswich a taste of what the Cornhill would look like once the work was completed.

Ipswich Star: Architects' impression of the new look for Ipswich Cornhill. Picture: IPSWICH VISIONArchitects' impression of the new look for Ipswich Cornhill. Picture: IPSWICH VISION (Image: Archant)

In late January, the market stalls moved to Princes Street. Some stall locations have since been shifted, however, with the market now being based between Giles Circus and the Town Hall. It looks like the market will now remain in this spot.

Ipswich Star: Ipswich market moved to Princes Street as work began on Cornhill. Picture: GREGG BROWNIpswich market moved to Princes Street as work began on Cornhill. Picture: GREGG BROWN

The scene at Ipswich Cornhill as work on the new paving got under way, in a photograph taken on January 30, exactly nine months ago.

Ipswich Star: Work beginning at the Cornhill in Ipswich. Picture: GREGG BROWNWork beginning at the Cornhill in Ipswich. Picture: GREGG BROWN

This picture was taken on February 9 when various items of equipment had been moved on to the construction site. A portable toilet can be glimpsed in the left-hand corner. The old paving, much of it cracked, was starting to be removed and put into skips.

Ipswich Star: The work at Ipswich Cornhill . Picture: PAUL GEATERThe work at Ipswich Cornhill . Picture: PAUL GEATER (Image: Archant)

In April, a 16,000-litre water tank was brought to the site for the water fountains, which will be one of the key features of the revamped Cornhill.

Ipswich Star: The tank for the water feature arrives on the Cornhill. Picture: PAUL GEATERThe tank for the water feature arrives on the Cornhill. Picture: PAUL GEATER (Image: Archant)

April also saw work being carried out to install the first of the new paving, in segments – this is the section in front of Lloyds Bank.

Ipswich Star: Work to rebuild Ipswich Cornhill . Picture: PAUL GEATERWork to rebuild Ipswich Cornhill . Picture: PAUL GEATER (Image: Archant)

In May, photos were displayed on the hoardings which screened off the work from passers-by. The images showed how it would look once completed. An important task during the work has been to keep pedestrians moving through the town centre.

Ipswich Star: Work is underway on the Ipswich Cornhill Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNWork is underway on the Ipswich Cornhill Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Also in May, the new paved surface was taking shape, with a team of workmen on site.

Ipswich Star: Work is underway on the Ipswich Cornhill Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNWork is underway on the Ipswich Cornhill Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

In June, walkers tried out sections of the new paving outside Debenhams. We reported on complaints about the surface, with one person using a mobility scooter saying it created a bumpy ride.

Ipswich Star: New paving on the Ipswich Cornhill Picture: ARCHANTNew paving on the Ipswich Cornhill Picture: ARCHANT

June saw further progress in laying paving on the Cornhill.

Ipswich Star: Rebuilding work at Ipswich Cornhill is nearing completion. Picture: PAUL GEATERRebuilding work at Ipswich Cornhill is nearing completion. Picture: PAUL GEATER (Image: Archant)

By September, laying of paving outside the Town Hall was progressing and large sections were being completed.

Ipswich Star: Progress on the Cornhill as it nears completion Picture: ARCHANTProgress on the Cornhill as it nears completion Picture: ARCHANT

These pictures taken early in November show that the Cornhill work was nearly complete.

Just the final touches now need to be added, following tests of the 18-spout water feature. The Cornhill is due to open by the end of this week, with the “Gateway” art installation in the corner due to be added later this year when the traditional Christmas tree is installed.