Plans submitted for multi-storey stadium car park

Plans for a multi-story car park have been submitted as part of a masterplan for the area outside Ipswich Town's stadium.

The car park would have 718 spaces and be built on the existing open-air car park on Portman Road, with a net gain of 18 spaces.

Ipswich Borough Council wants to build the car park, alongside a new aquatics centre and potentially a hotel.

There is also room being left for a potential expansion of the Cobbold Stand.

The council said the car park must be built and operational before other elements of the masterplan could proceed as parking would be lost during construction.

The multi-storey was expected to cost about £20m, with the council approving an additional £5m to deal with water infrastructure that runs under the Portman Road car park.

If the application was approved by the council's own Planning and Development Committee, the council said construction was expected to begin in late summer 2026 with completion anticipated by the end of 2027.

Neil MacDonald, Labour council leader, said: "This multi-storey car park is a vital first step in delivering the Portman Road masterplan.

"By approving the revised design and budget, we're enabling progress on key developments like the new aquatics centre, while ensuring long-stay parking is maintained for residents and visitors."

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