Ipswich Borough Council's Tourist Information Centre (TIC), in St. Stephen's Church, recently underwent internal decoration.
The TIC has had it's home in this lovely, former Medieval Church since 1994 and this is the second time that the interior has been completely redecorated. Don't expect "Barley White" Emulsion though, conservationists insist that to keep this historic building in peak condition and serving the public for many years to come, special Lime Wash must be used on the walls to allow the building to "breathe".
It was decided that wintertime was the only practical time that the work could be carried out with the minimum of disruption, as the busy TIC welcomes 200,000 visitors per year. Despite massive scaffolding being erected to enable work to be carried out, the TIC only closed to the public for two days – during which customers could still get in touch by telephone and email, or could visit staff at the special stand set up in the adjacent Buttermarket Shopping Centre.
The main contractors, Carters, worked closely with staff to minimise disruption and completed the work in just 3 weeks.
Completing the refurbishment are bright contemporary images and a new map to greet visitors in the foyer.
The TIC is also having its ICT equipment updated - so the proven customer service will soon be backed up by 21st Century technology.