Ipswich Town and council agree to land deal at Cobbold Stand

If the sale is completed, it would see the Premier League club acquire some of the existing car park behind the Cobbold Stand which it plans to replace in the "medium to long term".

Chairman and CEO of the club, Mike Ashton told The Athletic that the club had "agreed to buy land behind the Cobbold Stand" from Ipswich Borough Council.

The Cobbold Stand is over 50 years old (Image: PA Media) The two tiered Cobbold Stand is the oldest stand at Portman Road, having been constructed in 1971, and can accommodate up to 3,000 away fans on matchdays. 

Future development on the stand was highlighted as an "integral part" of the local authority's masterplan announced earlier this year, which would also see the building of a new aquatic centre and a multistorey car park.

An Ipswich Borough Council spokesperson said: “The redevelopment of the Portman Road area is an exciting project, and partnership between Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich Town Football Club.

The plans would extend into the current car park behind the Cobbold Stand (Image: Google) "There is an in-principal agreement in place, though the specific terms are yet to be finalised.

"The comprehensive design work included in the Portman Road masterplan, features plans for an Aquatics Centre, a multi-storey car park, a hotel, and designated space for Ipswich Town Football Club's development and expansion.

Glass screens were added to the Cobbold Stand after an FA cup match in January (Image: PA Media) "The area in question covers approximately 3,500 square meters and is an integral part of the masterplan.”

Portman Road went through a number of changes over the summer, including the implementation of safe standing at the bottom of the Cobbold Stand, where the expansion would be centred on. 

As well as this, a new TV studio was also opened above the players tunnel to the pitch as the town returned to the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.