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Former Ipswich gym to be converted into five flats

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An Ipswich town centre building that previously housed Gymophobics could become five one-bedroom flats under plans submitted to Ipswich Borough Council.

Why it matters: The proposed conversion would bring the long-vacant commercial property at 38 Princes Street back into residential use in the town centre.

It was most recently home to Gymophobics, but this gym has been closed for a number of years.

The former Gymphobics building on Princes Street in Ipswich
An Ipswich town centre building that previously housed Gymophobics could become five one-bedroom flats under plans submitted to Ipswich Borough CouncilOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details: The proposal is to change the use of all three floors of the building to five one-bedroom flats:

  • Two units on the ground floor level

  • Two units on the first floor

  • One flat on the second floor

Six parking spaces are provided within the car parking area at the rear of the building, which can be accessed from Princes Street via an archway.

For context: The premises are sited within the Central Conservation Area but is not a listed building.

The planning application has been submitted by Westmore Developments Ltd through Ben Elvin Planning Consultancy.

The property was previously the site of "Fred Smith & Co" livery and bait stables, with the historic facade still visible on the building.

The bottom line: If approved, the conversion would add to the town centre's residential options while repurposing a building that has stood vacant for several years.

Planning application

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

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