For months now Ipswich’s Old Post Office has been wrapped up like a huge Christmas present while contractors have been restoring the building – but over the next few weeks the scaffolding and plastic sheeting should start to come off.
The fabric of the building has had a £1million restoration which its borough council owners hope should speed the day when a tenant moves in and it becomes one of the focal points of the Cornhill again.
Last month it was revealed that the borough was talking to restaurant group The Botanist about moving into the site. As he looked around the building, borough leader David Ellesmere said that discussions were still continuing, but no deal had yet been signed.
MORE: Is The Botanist on its way to Ipswich Cornhill?
Mr Ellesmere was taken up to the roof of the building to see how the work repairing was nearing completion – and also saw the restoration of the statues over the entrance to the building showing off the progress of the Victorian age.
Skilled crafts people have also recreated stone urns and finials that were removed in 1940 to prevent them from being hit by bombs and crashing to the ground.
Inside the building the huge space of the main hall that was where the public came in – and was later used as the banking hall by the TSB – has been opened up to reveal why it would be so good for use as a restaurant.
Restoration work is also continuing there – but while mosaics on the floor are being restored, the main area inside will be left for the tenant to complete to make the most of the building’s architecture. There is a lift installed to allow people with mobility problems reach the main hall without going up the front steps – and there could also be a rear entrance.
MORE: Work starts on the restoration of the Old Post Office
Mr Ellesmere said: “The building will be secure and in good order for many years ahead, but it will be for the tenant to put its own mark on the interior – but it is really good to see how the restoration is coming along.”
Among the details being restored are the four Victorian statues to the wonders of the modern world when the building went up in 1881: Statues depicting Industry, Electricity, Steam and Commerce.
Mr Ellesmere added: “The work that is being done is to a very high standard and should keep this building in good condition for many years into the future.”
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