SHOPPERS in Ipswich will today start to notice changes afoot at a popular retail centre as a mini makeover gets underway.

SHOPPERS in Ipswich will today start to notice changes afoot at a popular retail centre as a mini makeover gets underway.

Tower Ramparts is undergoing a spot of pampering with retiling, introducing anti-slip flooring to all main entrances, a lick of paint to all internal and external surfaces as well as introducing some subtle colour changes to the external steel work and canopies.

Inside the centre, shoppers can expect a lighter, brighter and fresh shopping experience.

Centre manager Mike Sorhaindo said: “We wanted to create a warmer, friendlier environment.

“We have been open 23 years so the centre is in need of a bit of modernisation, bringing it into the 21st century.”

Backing The Evening Star's Fightback campaign Mr Sorhaindo added: “Tower Ramparts is fighting back.

“We are being sensible with our approach. Those fore-armed will be better prepared when we come out of the recession.

“We continue to fair favourably in the current recession with footfall numbers above the national average.

“By completing this work now we also feel that we are preparing ourselves well for eventual recovery from the current economic climate and will provide us with a great platform for our future success while preserving our position in the changing retails hierarchy in Ipswich.

“We are pleased to support the Evening Star's Fightback campaign.”

Despite the major work underway shoppers can will not have to face a dust-filled centre, as all work will take place when the centre is shut to ensure as little disruption as possible.

Work is expected to be completed before the busy Christmas rush and the centre is looking forward to welcoming new shops into empty units, including Paperbox, a discount card retailer.

What's your view on Ipswich's retail district? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk