Town’s plans for the installation of a new Portman Road pitch and new turnstiles for the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand have been approved by Ipswich Borough Council

The club began work on improving the ground last summer with a big screen installed, a new access point in the corner between the Cobbold Stand and the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand, and new dugouts.

The current plans, drawn up by local architects Hoopers, a long-time partner of the club, were approved just before Christmas having been submitted early in November.

The second phase of the improvements have three principal elements. Provision of new turnstile access and egress from the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand via the land the club purchased to the south of the stadium last year, demolition of the existing turnstiles to the east and west of the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand and the new Desso [hybrid natural grass and artificial fibre] playing surface, including plant and equipment for the provision of pitch irrigation, surface water attenuation and undersoil heating.

The plans submitted to IBC indicate that the width of the pitch - which is currently 66m wide by 102m long - will increase by 40mm and will also be longer, while moving closer to both end stands, more towards the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand.

The dimensions of the new pitch will be around 66m x 106m, although that isn’t stated. The halfway line will now be between the home and away dugouts, having been off-centre for some years.

The whole pitch moves slightly towards the Cobbold Stand, while the boundary Astroturf, which is being replaced, will be narrower than at present with more grass around the edge of the pitch.

The plans state that the surface will also be raised slightly on the Cobbold Stand side: “The opportunity will be taken to create a more level surface. The pitch currently slopes down from west to east, as such the pitch will be lifted on the east side accordingly.

“This will provide a surface which plays better, drains better and gives some improvement to sight lines on the east side of the stadium.”

Thanks to TWTD Forum poster Muncher for his help with this story.

ITFC

Bazza8564 added 17:33 - Jan 4 Good, every step like this is a step for the better in my humble opinion
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tivo added 17:49 - Jan 4 Love it.
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Suffolkboy added 19:11 - Jan 4 Much much needed improvements which have been awaiting commitment and enthusiasm for far too long ! Thank goodness we've smashing owners and Management now releasing potential . D S must be a happy man; he at least foresaw the better future but was hampered by the then financial restraints ! Onwards now ! COYB
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Europablue added 19:40 - Jan 4 The people in the pictures are lovely and diverse, but it does seem like something is missing; people wearing football kits and actually looking like they are going to a match!
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Durley_Blue added 21:07 - Jan 4 Will look great, but going to miss those humble old turnstiles. Lots of history and memories in that simple brick structure!
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ThaiBlue added 04:28 - Jan 5 Well done town club is doing all the right things credit to the owners for not standing still for anything
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BotesdaleBlue added 06:58 - Jan 5 I'm totally with you on that Durley Blue.
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JewellintheTown added 15:08 - Jan 5 Are we getting Cleggy back in to paint the new turnstiles?
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Onenil added 15:48 - Jan 5 Wow.....This guys a genius.......can't score goals.....move the goal posts.
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blueboy1981 added 15:57 - Jan 5 We may still be in Division 3 if we stay on the blocks much longer, but we'll have the Best Turnstiles no doubt come August 23.
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carsey added 17:02 - Jan 5 All and any ground improvements are to be welcomed especially the pitch BUT I'd give it up for promotion. It's already Jan 5th and so far no new striker - where are these players that have been lined up before the window? Sorry for being twitchy but I've had enough of the 3rd division.
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