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.”

“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.

Photo: DB3 Group

BrandonsBlues added 08:23 - May 1 How unrealistic is that video. Where are the bins? That is why there is rubbish on the floor next to the child sitting on the concrete seating. Also I see no graffiti, clearly the area is going to have more rubbish strewn across it as this will be the new area for the homeless and to hang out.
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atty added 15:06 - May 1 That’s a lot of cars looking for somewhere else to park on match days during the build. Maybe not quite so many after the outrageous profiteering by IBC hiking up the match price. Whether or not the new stand will ever get built remains to be seen. Our owners are to be commended for investing in the new training ground facilities, despite relegation, but a new stand is a huge expenditure. Surely we’d have to be in the PL.

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