Ipswich Town have announced remarkable plans for the future of their home ground.
The Premier League club, who are standing just above the relegation zone, are in the midst of purchasing land behind the iconic Cobbold stand. They have an “in-principle agreement” to purchase this space which would be used for their ‘masterplan.’
Nothing is set in stone yet with some things still waiting to be finalised, but the local authority have previously published plans regarding a pool and hotel at Portman Road. Their aim is to regenerate the area.
An Ipswich Borough Council spokesperson has spoken on the plans saying: “The redevelopment of the Portman Road area is an exciting project and partnership between Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich Town Football Club.
“There is an in-principle agreement in place, thought the specific terms are yet to be finalised.
(Image: DB3 Group / BBC / Ipswich Town FC)
The comprehensive design work included in the Portman Road masterplan features plans for an aquatics centre, a multi-storey car park, a hotel and designated space for Ipswich Town Football Club’s development and expansion.”
Portman Road has been the home of The Tractor Boys since 1884.
In recent years, the club have invested significantly into updating the stadium. This has worked nicely alongside their superb progression from League One to the Premier League in two seasons.
(Image: DB3 Group / BBC / Ipswich Town FC)
The stadium had already gone under 104 projects to prepare it for the Prem as Ipswich hadn’t been in the top tier of English football since 2002. The Cobbold Stand is the oldest at the stadium. Constructed in 1971, it houses up to 3,000 away fans on match days. With this expansion, the club would look to modernise their famed stand.
Mark Ashton, Ipswich Town chief executive, told The Athletic that expanding the stand was a medium to long-term ambition. He also said they would have to lose 4,000 fans for 18 months during the rebuild.