Football club 'agrees to buy' land for expansion

Ipswich Town could be set to purchase some of New Portman Road car park, as part of a stadium expansion plan

Ipswich Town has an "in-principle agreement" to buy a large parcel of land behind its Portman Road stadium, a council said.

The Premier League club would acquire part of a car park behind the Cobbold Stand if a deal was completed.

It followed Tractor Boys' chief executive Mark Ashton telling The Athletic expanding the two-tier stand was a medium to long-term ambition.

Ipswich Borough Council said an outline agreement was in place but the specific terms were "yet to be finalised". The club has been contacted for comment.

The local authority outlined its own plan in March to redevelop other parts of the New Portman Road car park and build a new aquatics centre.

Seats in the lower tier of the Cobbold Stand were removed and replaced over the summer

Land earmarked for development by the football club stretched deep into the existing parking area, fan magazine TWTD reported.

The council said it was an "exciting project and partnership" between itself and the club.

"The Portman Road masterplan features plans for an aquatics centre, a multi-storey car park, a hotel and designated space for Ipswich Town Football Club's development and expansion," a spokesman said.

The council previously said the alignment of Portman Road itself could be changed to allow for the redevelopment.

A new TV studio was also opened at Portman Road at the start of the season

Constructed in 1971, the Cobbold Stand is the oldest stand at the stadium and it accommodates home fans and up to 3,000 away supporters.

Club bosses oversaw 104 projects during the summer to prepare the ground for its first Premier League season in 24 years.

It included the introduction of some 'safe standing' areas in the Cobbold Stand and a new TV studio and gantries.