Ipswich Town submits stadium improvement plans

Newly promoted Ipswich Town has submitted plans to make improvements to the West Stand at its Portman Road stadium.

Application documents lodged with Ipswich Borough Council propose an expansion of the concourse at ground level.

Beyond the stand itself, the proposal also includes a refurbishment of the Fanzone, automated turnstiles, an increase in car parking spaces and the relocation of kiosks.

In the documents, the club said: "The proposal submitted represents a progressive development for Ipswich Town Football Club."

The West Stand is Portman Road's largest and holds 8,700 people.

In recent decades it has been redeveloped in phases, including upgrades made ahead of the 2024–25 Premier League season.

Ipswich Town's chairman and chief executive Mark Ashton said in 2024 that he was considering the long-term feasibility of increasing the capacity of the stadium, including the West Stand.

Documents state that the current proposed changes will make a "more comfortable and safe experience on matchday".

Earlier this month, Ipswich sealed an immediate return to the Premier League, finishing second in the Championship.

At the southern end of the West Stand, the office, archive and medical areas would all be relocated to create a larger concourse.

Plans also outline a reconfiguration of turnstiles designed to reduce pedestrian congestion on surrounding streets, including Sir Alf Ramsey Way, which is closed to traffic on matchdays.

There is also an intention to allow more community use of the Fanzone, including non‑matchday events.

The application will now be considered by the council as part of its standard planning process, with a decision expected at a later date.

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