Decision day looms on plans for Ipswich Aquatics Centre in Portman Road

Decision day looms on plans to build a new aquatics and leisure centre opposite Ipswich Town’s stadium.

Proposals lodged by Handford Homes in June are set to be approved by Ipswich Borough Council on Wednesday.

The site is set to be built at one of Portman Road’s car parks and would include a 25 metre, eight lane swimming pool, a learner pool, a soft play area, a 115-station gym, a sauna and a new cafe.

Planning documents hinted a hotel could be built nearby, in line with a public consultation.

A new multi-storey car park also forms part of the borough council’s master plan.

In addition, redevelopment of ITFC’s Cobbold Stand has also been proposed alongside a new pedestrian route and outside areas.

Ipswich Aquatics Centre would replace Crown Pools.

Cllr Neil MacDonald, the borough council’s leader, described the new centre as a ‘community jewel’ in its vision to revitalise the town.

The authority believed the centre could become a ‘truly exceptional space’.

It is expected that the applicant would need to put forward a £15,000 traffic regulation order (TRO).

This would allow for the existing car parking bays in Friars Bridge Road to be removed and for other parking restrictions to be placed.

The applicant will also need to pay £1,200 per year prior to the approval of a travel plan and annually after it is approved for up to five years.