Ipswich Town reveal new plans for phase two of Portman Road redevelopment work

Fully automated turnstiles and a new pitch irrigation system are among the new plans submitted as part of the redevelopment of Portman Road.

Ipswich Town have put forward proposals to Ipswich Borough Council to complete further work to the stadium, after a number of alterations were made during the summer.

As part of the first phase, the club installed a giant screen in the South East corner of Portman Road, as well installing new dugouts in front of the Magnus Group West Stand.

In the second phase, a new pitch with under-soil heating will be installed, as well an irrigation system and relocating some of the turnstiles.

The new playing surface is a sand-based hybrid, equivalent to some of the best pitches in Europe.

The hybrid pitch and irrigation system will provide an elite playing surface, a move in which the club say will represent a 'major step forward.'

In order to provide the equipment for the state-of-the-art pitch, the club will utilise the area in the South East corner and relocate the turnstiles directly to the rear of the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand.

This means the existing turnstiles to the east and west of the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand, currently accessed via Portman Road and Constantine Road, will be demolished.

Access and egress to the new turnstiles, which will be fully automated and the first of their kind for the club, will then be created via the newly acquired land to the south of the stadium.

Chief executive Mark Ashton said: "We are delighted to have submitted these plans.

“The new pitch reconstruction will provide an elite level playing surface, therefore giving our playing squads the best chance of success.

“The extensive life span of the new pitch will also aid the club’s typical annual close season pitch refurbishment schedule, to ensure a quality playing surface year on year.

“Relocating the existing turnstiles that are currently split between Portman Road and Constantine Road will provide a more streamlined entry to Portman Road stadium, further enhancing the matchday experience for our supporters.

“We hope the supporters are excited about the plans, and we look forward to work commencing.”