Plans have been unveiled for a series of upgrades to the West Stand and FanZone at Ipswich Town’s Portman Road stadium.
If successful the plans would see major upgrades made to the concourse of the West Stand while transforming access to the club’s FanZone.
The project is aimed at improving safety, accessibility and comfort for supporters – tackling long queues to enter the stadium stretching across Sir Alf Ramsey Way.
Turnstiles 42 to 47 will be demolished, with access to the site possible through a new main gate, adorned with the club’s Suffolk Punch logo.
A new concourse would be built under the existing stand, which will house 16 new automated turnstiles. This would expand into land currently forming part of the FanZone, which would be separated via new steel bollards.
The new-look concourse would feature new food and drink kiosks, toilets, a multi-faith room and a new home for the Junior Blues. It would also provide a new entrance for hospitality ticketholders.
In total the space would almost double from 864m2 to 1,759m2.
The demolition of turnstiles allows for the FanZone to be used by those who do not have match tickets – who will also be able to use two-way food and drink kiosks built into the West Stand concourse.
One existing turnstile block (48 to 58) would remain in place and used only for events, such as World Cup screenings in the FanZone.
The design and access statement submitted as part of the application by Hoopers Architects said there is a “tremendous time pressure on the development of the West Stand”.
It continued: “The proposal submitted represents a progressive development for Ipswich Town Football Club.
“The additional concourse area and amenity provision will make for a more comfortable and safe experience on match day.
“The new turnstile locations will alleviate pressure on the surrounding streets and welcome the community into the FanZone.
“Accessible access has been made a priority and the Fanzone will be able to cater for a more developed community programme going forward.”
