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Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich

Ellisons Solicitors

Providing businesses and the people of Ipswich with trusted legal advice

Inside Ipswich Town's modernised training facilities vision

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Ellisons Solicitors

Ellisons Solicitors

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

A state-of-the-art hydrotherapy centre and modernised gym facilities are at the heart of Ipswich Town's ambitious training ground redevelopment plans. The project signals the club's commitment to long-term development across all teams.

The big picture: The redevelopment of the Playford Road site represents a significant upgrade to Ipswich Town's training infrastructure, with completion targeted ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Why it matters: The plans demonstrate investment across all levels of the club:

  • A new dedicated first-team building

  • Refurbished and extended facilities for Academy and Women's teams

  • Enhanced performance and rehabilitation spaces

  • Improved access and amenities for all users

Plans for the new ITFC training facilities
Plans for the new training facilities at Playford Road ITFC

The details: Key features of the development include:

  • Hydrotherapy centre

  • Modernised gym

  • Additional staff facilities

  • Expanded dining space

  • Increased parking capacity

  • New main entrance

The plans maintain the existing 13 pitches at the training centre, while creating separate, permanent spaces for the first team and youth development.

Behind the scenes: Local residents have been involved in the planning process, with the club hosting neighbourhood engagement sessions to gather community feedback. This input has been incorporated into the submitted plans.

What's next: Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, with work expected to take approximately one year.

Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich

Ellisons Solicitors

Providing businesses and the people of Ipswich with trusted legal advice

Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich

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Ellisons Solicitors

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

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Ellisons Solicitors

Ellisons Solicitors

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.

Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich

Ellisons Solicitors

Providing businesses and the people of Ipswich with trusted legal advice

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