Ipswich Town submit plans for Portman Road upgrades

Since the club’s American takeover in April of 2021, the Blues’ new owners have made significant infrastructure investments at the stadium, headlined by summer work which included the installation of a big screen between the Cobbold and Sir Alf Ramsey stands and a full revamp of the stadium’s dugout areas. 

CEO Mark Ashton and chairman Mike O’Leary have regularly discussed the need to install a new pitch at Portman Road, with plans now submitted for a sand-based hybrid surface which would house undersoil heating as well as a new run-off area around the perimeter of the pitch. 

Ipswich Town have submitted plans for new turnstiles at Portman Road (Image: ITFC)

As part of the plans, Town are also proposing to demolish existing turnstiles at either end of the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand, accessed from Portman Road and Constantine Road, helping to make room to house the specialist equipment required to maintain the new pitch. 

That will mean new turnstiles are created to the rear of the stand, which will be the first fully-automated turnstiles at Portman Road, with the work made possible due to the fact the club acquired land at the back of the stadium earlier this year.  

“We are delighted to have submitted these plans,” CEO Ashton said. 

“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.”