Cllr Neil MacDonald says Ipswich Town car park revamp to be ‘community jewel’ as masterplan revealed

The masterplan to revamp the car park outside Ipswich Town’s stadium would turn it into a ‘community jewel’, says the council’s leader.

The revamp is part of Ipswich Borough Council’s plans to replace the town’s Crown Pools with a new aquatics centre, approved in 2022 as part of its sports facilities strategy.

The new aquatics centre would include competition, teaching, and leisure pools, a 115-station gym, fitness studios, and a new cafe.

Council leader Neil MacDonald said: “This project is set to become a community jewel, a beacon of how sports, leisure, and communal well-being are valued in Ipswich.

“This is a journey towards not only revitalising our town but also championing the spirit of our community.

“The council is dedicated to making this vision a reality, ensuring that the benefits of this ambitious project will be enjoyed by both current and future generations of Ipswich residents.”

Also part of the masterplan is a space allocation for a new hotel, with the council anticipating plans in due course.

To make up for the loss of the existing 500 parking spots and the footfall boost to be created, the council is also proposing a multi-storey car park to benefit users of the new centre, hotel, and football ground.

Another space allocation has also been included in the masterplan for the expansion of the stadium’s Cobbold Stand, although no timeline has been given for this development.

Mark Ashton, Ipswich Town Football Club CEO, said: The redevelopment of the Cobbold Stand and an increase in capacity has been part of our long-term masterplan for the stadium and, while it must be stressed no work is imminent, we are pleased to have been able to work with Ipswich Borough Council to identify the required land to make this possible.”

Should it be approved by members of the executive, the plans will then need to receive planning consent.