Ipswich Town submit plans to take Portman Road to 'required standard for Premier League clubs'
Plans have been submitted by Ipswich Town to make a number of changes to Portman Road, including the installation of a big screen and under-soil heating.
The club's proposals will aim to meet the required standard for Premier League clubs, harbouring the long term ambition of the new owners.
As part of the plans put forward to Ipswich Borough Council, a new big screen will be erected in the South East corner of the stadium, between the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand and the Cobbold Stand.
The area is currently unused terracing, which would be demolished to make way for large vehicles to facilitate for pitch redevelopment - a new 'Desso' pitch is also part of the proposals - as well as support for concerts in the off season.
A new 'big screen' would eventually be erected, which would be 10.5 metres above the pitch.
The current dugouts would receive significant renovation, with works described as 'long overdue' on the application.
If approved, 16 'high quality' seats would be installed in the both home and away dugouts, an increase on the 15 they can currently accommodate.
The application adds: "It is also the intention to bring back into use a number of seats that are currently not able to the used. The current level of interest in the club given the investment being made is already bringing in circa 20,000 fans for every home game, which is phenomenal given their current position in League One.
"The plans indicate additional seating to the left of the home dug-out, as well as seating available behind the away dug-out."
Should plans be approved, it is hoped that the works can begin at the end of this season, with pitch redevelopment to take place at the end of next season.
A spokesperson for the club said: “The club is aware of the plans that have been published regarding development of facilities at Portman Road. We will communicate more in the coming days.”