ONE of the cornerstones of the Ipswich Village is finally taking shape and the new crown court building is set to become part of the beating heart of the town.

ONE of the cornerstones of the Ipswich Village is finally taking shape and the new crown court building is set to become part of the beating heart of the town.

Work on the new state of the art building began last year but now the complex, due to be finished next Easter, is ahead of schedule and council officials are excited about its completion.

Ipswich Borough Council's chief executive, James Hehir, said: " Building work is going really well and we are actually ahead of schedule.

"It is a major new development and part of the Ipswich Village. As well as that we have the council going in the TXU building and plans for a new multi-storey car park behind Kartouche nightclub. This will be for 1,000 cars and a hotel complex and about 70 flats.

"These projects will transform the area and will be an excellent addition to the town."

The new crown court building, in Chancery Road, will be a four-story building with five courts and facilities including witness waiting rooms, interview rooms and coffee bars.

It will replace the old building in Civic Drive which has been in use since 1968.