WORK to renovate Ipswich's Corn Exchange is on schedule and coming in under budget, the man in charge of the project said today.

WORK to renovate Ipswich's Corn Exchange is on schedule and coming in under budget, the man in charge of the project said today.

The £1.1million scheme, which includes work to clean and repair stonework and renovate windows, got under way in July and is due to be completed by April.

Mark Hunter, project manager, said the major project is running to plan with costs so far coming in less than initially predicted.

He said: “The stonework façade has been completely cleaned with high pressure steam and water to get all the grime off.

“After that we will get started on repairing the stonework

“We are due to finish the roof work in mid January and the stone repair work is due to finish at the end of February.

“All the windows will then be taken out before being refurbished, cleaned and replaced.

“Things have been running very smoothly and we are ahead of schedule.

“There are actually less repairs needed than anticipated which mean we are doing well as far as the cost goes.”

As part of the renovation project the Corn Exchange's entrance canopy will also be replaced with a more modern design.

Meanwhile ridge cresting rails, based on the design of original rails, will be fitted around the perimeter of the roof of the building.

Since work began the corn Exchange has been shrouded in plastic sheeting with artwork featuring a corn field and the Suffolk sky.

Ipswich Borough Council commissioned artist Les Bicknell to transform the exterior of the building during the renovation work.

Do you welcome the restoration work? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk