THE new look for the flagship store of one of Suffolk’s best-known independent retailers began to emerge yesterday as scaffolding was removed from an eye-catching new frontage.

The Coes store in Norwich Road, Ipswich, is undergoing a �750,000 upgrade, with around two months’ work remaining before the project is completed.

Company chief William Coe said yesterday: “We are trading as normal throughout the work. As well as giving us a new look from outside there will be more space inside as well once work is finished.”

Where possible local firms have been used to carry out the work. “We have been delighted to use local companies,” said Mr Coe. “The only thing we have had to get from outside the area is the cladding itself.”

And while the current work will be completed later in the summer, a second phase of improvements is planned in the future.