Town’s planning permission application for the work set to be undertaken at Portman Road over the summer, including alterations to the corner between the Sir Alf Ramsey and Cobbold Stands, the installation of a big screen and changes to the dugouts, has been approved.

Ipswich Borough Council has confirmed via its website that the go-ahead has been given for the work, which is due to start imminently with preparations, including the removal of the existing scoreboard, already having started.

The demolition of part of the corner at the south-east of the ground is required to facilitate improved access to the stadium with entry routes currently limited to the tunnel area. A big screen is set to be installed in that area.

New dugouts which push deeper into the Magnus Group West Stand and are aligned with the halfway line are another element of the work being undertaken.

Chairman Mike O’Leary, speaking at a fans’ forum in November, outlined the plans.

“At the moment, our dugouts are too adjacent and could lead to interesting moments,” he joked.

“We’re looking to slightly realign the positioning of the dugouts. But the crux of it is that the most important first step that we have to take is to punch a hole in the corner of the ground here to allow trucks to get in and out because until we can do that, we can’t bring anything inside that we need to produce the new pitch or to put the undersoil heating in when we do that too.

“Of course, having decided that that was the first step, we then discovered that we couldn’t do it without planning permission.

“We have to first of all get planning permission and build regs approval for punching a hole in the corner of the stadium at the far end of the Cobbold Stand in the corner.

“Secondly, we’re planning where we will put a big screen in that corner. It’s got to be a suitable height for everyone to be able to see it and it’s got to be at a suitable height for us to get articulated vehicles in beneath it.”

The installation of a new Desso surface [a hybrid natural grass artificial fibre pitch] was initially planned for this summer but will now take place in the close season ahead of 2023/24.

Work on improving Playford Road’s facilities is also set to take place during the close season.

Photo: ITFC

Pedlarjak added 12:21 - May 4 Can we have a vote for what should be the first thing shown on the new screen? My vote goes for a certain clip from May 1979 of a well-known female Norwich director wearing blue and white and supporting Ipswich for the FA Cup final
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Ravanelly added 12:26 - May 4 1979?
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NthQldITFC added 12:33 - May 4 @Ravanelly - she had to sober up before she could undo the safety pin.
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Edmundo added 13:21 - May 4 Good news. Look forward to seeing it done. From a safety perspective it makes sense to have easier access from the outside roads: God forbid we had a major incident, but paramedics getting into the ground from the pitch side is suddenly easy.
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Mark added 13:38 - May 4 It is great to see investment in the stadium finally. My only concern is that the electronic advertising shouldn't be too intrusive, such as this: https://m.facebook.com/thebigstepdotcom/videos/the-size-and-message-of-this-pitc
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slade1 added 13:45 - May 4 I agree with Mark. Nothing worse than trying to watch the match with the advertising boards flickering and flashing in your eyeline.
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BotesdaleBlue added 16:21 - May 4 Let's bring on these much needed changes. As I have said in a previous post, I give a nostalgic goodbye the the last section of clear terracing from the pre-all seater days (which ended with the promotion party against Brighton at the end of the 1991/92 season), as well as the last old blue painted metal crowd barrier. Goodbye old friends, you served us well.
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Linkboy13 added 16:22 - May 4 I would like to see the lower tears of the Bobby Robson and Alf Ramsey stands converted back to standing areas as a large percentage of fans prefer standing to sitting anyway this would also increase the capacity slightly. If things did really kick off next season would the ground be capable of catering for the demand.
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HalesworthBlue7 added 17:14 - May 4 Just a thought it was stated just after the take over happened that at some stage they would be looking to redevelop the Cobbled stand , would they have to bear the position of the new big scoreboard in mind when doing this .....
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Monkey_Blue added 18:21 - May 4 Good news but let's be honest a new cobbold stand is when we know we are going places
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grinch added 19:56 - May 4 The pitch this season was excellent it looked first class even on the final match day best I have seen it for a few years
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HuddersBlue added 21:03 - May 4 Just made me smile when you look at the scoreboard in closer detail. I wish that was a real score!!!!
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Suffolkboy added 09:10 - May 5 Actuality draws that bit nearer ; well done to the Owners and our Snr Mgt team ! COYB
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blues1 added 15:07 - May 5 Linkboy13. While I agree with ur sentiments, bcse we could only have safe standing, if indeed we were allowed to have standing areas, the fact there has to be a barrier in front of every spot, would mean thered be little or no increase in capacity. May even decrease it. But yes, absolutely would be good for those whod rather stand. But then, there'll be some who sit in the areas you mention that wouldn't want to stand up, but also wouldn't want to move from their current spot. Especially if they've been sitting there for some years.

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