PEOPLE passing Felaw Maltings may be forgiven for thinking this jewel in Ipswich's crown has hit hard times – but the problem is only a little wind damage.

By Victoria Knowles

PEOPLE passing Felaw Maltings may be forgiven for thinking this jewel in Ipswich's crown has hit hard times – but the problem is only a little wind damage.

Today scaffolding covers the building to protect the public after some roof slates became loose.

Felaw Maltings was one of only five schemes across the country to receive a British Urban Regener-ation Association award.

And, Bob Feltwell, chairman of Ipswich and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said everyone was still very happy with the building, despite present appearances.

He said: "All it is, is a little wind damage, which any building can expect. The scaffolding is a health and safety precaution and nothing to worry about.

"We think it's a splendid location and very impressive premises.

"We have been there two and a half years and occasionally we have some wind damage, but it is only to be expected. We are not aware of any significant problems with the premises."

After standing empty for 21 months, the building became run-down and it then took 18 months to bring the former maltings complex up to the standard it is now with an investment of £7million.

Owned by Mars Pension Fund, it is now a centre of excellence for the Ipswich business community.

The first organisation to move to the building was Ipswich Itec, closely followed by Ipsenta – the Ipswich and Sudbury Enterprise Agency – and the Ipswich and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.