Glass atrium at the Buttermarket Shopping Centre, Ipswich comes down to make way for Wagamama, Prezzo and Byron Burger

Dismantlement project on the Buttermarket Shopping Centre has begun. Left to right, Tom Bloor, Mark Bloor and Mark William.

Cranes have moved in to St Stephen’s Lane this evening toand start dismantling the atrium-style entrance, making way for the new plaza area.

Steve Sugg, site manager for construction firm Simons, said: “We are now at the stage in the project where the aluminium facade is coming down. We have three weeks to remove it.”

He added: “Due to the equipment being used, we will be regulating public access whilst this is carried out to ensure our work is as safe and swift as possible.”

The atrium has been shielding the transformation works going on within the front half of the centre, reworking the former food court into new units which will eventually be taken over by Wagamama, Coast to Coast, Prezzo, Byron Burger and Cosy Club.

A large part of the the upper floor is also being converted for Empire Cinemas, and Pure Gym will take up residence once the work is complete.

“A tremendous amount of work has already been completed and when this comes down you will be able to see right into the building and see the changes that have been taking place.

“It will open up the frontage and we will see much cleaner lines.”

The white ring beam around the top of the glass atrium which bears the Buttermarket logo will remain in place, and will be updated to reflect the more modern looking design.

Work on the secondary entrance to the centre - off Buttermarket itself - has already been completed, with New Look and TK Maxx among the stores to have moved into their new homes. The next phase is due for completion in July.

Looking ahead, Mr Sugg said: “It is incredibly exciting to be part of something that will regenerate the town; this will certainly draw people in and give a new lease of life to Buttermarket.”