Improvements to cost ‘millions’ at football club
Extensive renovation projects, with an estimated cost amounting to “several million pounds,” have commenced at Ipswich Town Football Club.
After a remarkable Championship season that saw them earn 96 points, Ipswich secured promotion to the Premier League.
Mark Ashton, the Chief Executive, acknowledged the significant task ahead in bringing the club’s facilities up to league standards, emphasizing the need for substantial improvements.
He mentioned that a planning application for a major overhaul at the Playford Road training ground would be submitted soon.
This decision was prompted by a visit from Premier League officials in January, who provided a list of necessary upgrades should the club be promoted.
League regulations dictate that all Premier League teams must have goal-line technology installed and facilitate the use of video assistant refereeing equipment.
Mark Ashton highlighted the magnitude of the required works, stating that they would involve significant infrastructure changes at Portman Road during the summer.
Builders have already begun the preparatory work at Playford Road for the impending upgrades.
He stressed that these changes are imperative and non-negotiable as stipulated by the Premier League, and pledged to communicate further details to the fans once he has the opportunity.
Portman Road, boasting a capacity of 29,673 spectators, underwent development following Ipswich’s last promotion in 2000.
The Sir Alf Ramsey stand, previously known as the Greene King stand, was completely reconstructed into the two-tier structure it is today.
Subsequently, the North Stand was demolished the following year, leaving a portion of the stadium unoccupied for most of the season.
It was suggested that the absence of the “North Stand roar” contributed to Town’s relegation that year, according to the club’s website.
The redevelopment project added an additional 4,000 seats to the stadium, with a combined cost of approximately £22 million.
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