Ipswich Borough Council’s planning committee unanimously backed the aquatics centre development proposed for the car park behind the Cobbold Stand earlier today.
The scheme, which was initially announced in July 2022 having been drawn up in collaboration with Suffolk County Council and Ipswich Town, will see a new aquatics centre - featuring pools, water flumes, a gym and fitness studios, as well as a soft play area and cafe - a hotel and park areas built on the car park the opposite side of Portman Road from the football ground.
In addition, a seven-storey car park would also be constructed in order to replace the spaces lost due to the new development, while there is an in-principle agreement between Town and IBC that the new Cobbold Stand when it is built will take an additional 3,635m² of land behind the existing structure.
Portman Road will re-routed into a curve as part of the aquatics centre project ahead of the Blues’ long-term plans for a stand development.
Handford Homes, which is owned by IBC, sought full permission in March last year for the aquatics centre project with permission unanimously granted at this morning’s meeting.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, leader of IBC, said: "This approval is a momentous achievement, representing another leap forward in making our vision a reality.
"This project will become a community jewel, a symbol of how sports, leisure, and communal wellbeing are valued in Ipswich.
"Our focus now shifts to implementing the next phases of the project and continuing to attract forward-thinking investors who share our commitment to a healthier, more vibrant Ipswich.”
Councillor John Cook, portfolio holder for Communities and Sport, added: "This is a huge step towards providing modern, accessible, and sustainable sports facilities that will serve residents for generations to come.
"The new aquatic centre is not just a replacement for Crown Pools it is a significant upgrade that puts health, inclusion, and community pride at its core.”
The next step for the project is the technical design phase, during which the detailed architectural and engineering designs will produced.
That phase, which could take up to 12 months, will see a detailed design programme produced and a timeline for the construction phase agreed, along with the final funding strategy, which is expected to be a combination of public and private sector investment.
The next step for the project is the development of a comprehensive investment strategy.