Ipswich Town FC’s training ground plans approved

Ipswich Town Football Club has confirmed that a full planning application for development of the Club’s training centre has now been approved.  

The application was submitted in November 2024 and work is set to begin imminently, with the project estimated to last approximately 14 months. 

The circa £30m redevelopment of the Playford Road site includes the creation of a state-of-the-art first-team building along with a refurbished and extended building for the Academy and Women’s teams. 

Ipswich Town Chairman and CEO, Mark Ashton, said:

“Developing our training facilities is something we have spoken about since day one at the Club.  To continue the Club’s progress we need to attract, retain and develop elite players. We need first-class facilities to do that.

“With development of the training ground being a key pillar of progression for the Football Club, this substantial investment will enhance our facilities and environment for our first-team, Academy and Women’s players, and will be key to the delivery of Category One status for our Academy.

“Having worked with both internal and external stakeholders, we are delighted to have these works approved and we are grateful for everyone’s support. We will look to break ground as quickly as possible now.”

The number of pitches at the training centre (13) will remain the same once the redevelopment has been completed. New areas will include extra staff facilities, a hydrotherapy centre, and modernised gym, rehabilitation and performance locations.

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A new clear point of entry will also be open for all players, staff and visitors, with extra dining space and parking.

The current main building at the training ground will be developed and refurbished to then be used by the Academy and Women’s teams on a permanent basis.

Source & imagery, courtesy: Ipswich Town

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