Crown Pools to CLOSE with plans for new Aquatics Centre in Ipswich

New plans would see a bigger and more energy efficient pool built off Portman Road

Crown Pools has been a major attraction in Ipswich since 1984
Author: Matt SoanesPublished 7th Jun 2022

The largest swimming pool in Ipswich, Crown Pools, is to close under major plans for new leisure facilities in the town.

Ipswich Borough Council has unveiled its ideas for the future of local sports venues, with a brand new Aquatics Centre planned on the site of the Portman Road Car Park.

It would include a brand new pool, along with flumes, a bigger gym with more space for fitness classes, a soft play centre and a cafe.

If the plans are approved next week it could be open by 2027. The new venue would have a lower carbon footprint than Crown Pools, which opened in 1984.

An artists' impression of the replacement for Crown Pools - which could go on land off Portman Road

Gainsborough Sports Centre in Ravenswood is also set for redevelopment.

The current facility would be replaced with a bigger leisure centre, including an eight court sports hall, a bigger gym and fitness suites.

There would also be space for a brand new Gymnastics Centre, including an eight lane athletics track and changing rooms.

It's expected to be open by Easter 2025.

New sports pitches and a pavilion could be built on land in Ravenswood, similar to those already in place at Ransomes on Sidegate Avenue.

Gainsborough Sports Centre is also set for redevelopment.

There will also be work to make Fore Street Baths more energy efficient and support to reopen Broomhill Lido.

Councillor Bryony Rudkin, of Ipswich Borough Council, says:

“Our sports facilities mostly date from the 1980s and are increasingly challenging and costly to operate as well as a bit old fashioned.

"This Sports Facilities Strategy demonstrates our commitment to ensuring Ipswich residents have access to high quality community sports and swimming facilities and to meeting our carbon reduction targets”

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