Parking concerns and fears for a historic swimming club are among the objections raised to a new multimillion-pound aquatic centre at Portman Road. 

The major redevelopment on the car park at Portman Road were submitted at the start of last month.

This includes an outline planning application for the wider masterplan for the site, including a potential new hotel on the plot, and a full planning application for the aquatic centre.

Residents who live near the land, however, have raised concerns surrounding parking, traffic and the location.

One resident stated: "What a stupid place to put a new swimming pool.

"There are often competitions at the weekend, I can't imagine how someone would get to it when there is also a match on."

Two residents who live at Alderman Road, which joins off Portman Road, also raised concerns regarding on street parking.

One said: "Portman Road parking will all be removed which was our only alternative and the public sometimes park where we normally park which does not require a permit and we get blocked in often."

Gordon Howes, who used to be a coach at the swimming club in Ipswich, said: "It's just crazy.

"Crown Pools regularly hosts gala's which can include up to 300 children swimming. If all those parents and family members want to watch their children swim, where are they going to go?

"Crown Pools is normally packed to the rafters with watching parents on gala day.

"Swimmers from all over Suffolk and East Anglia come to Crown Pools, where are they all going to park, especially if there is an Ipswich Town game on.

"The most important reason for my worry though is the complete disappearance of the swimming club which has been in existence for 140 years.

"On gala days parents pay entry fees for their children, tickets to watch, with a decreased capacity and the present plans, I fear it will be the death of Teamipswich."

The club has been contacted in regards to the concerns. 

The plans for the new aquatic centre also include a multi-storey car park.

Vertas Group, who has their offices at Friars Bridge Road, directly opposite the site, said: "We have up to 400 employers who use our building on a regular basis, a large percentage of which park at Portman Road.

"Can you make assurances that the new multi-storey car park will be brought into operation before the closure of the existing car park?

"Can you also articulate the measures that will be put in place to reduce disruption noise and nuisance during construction?

"Generally, we are pleased that the development is taking place."

Ipswich Borough Council leader Neil MacDonald said: "This project is set to become a community jewel, a beacon of how sports, leisure and communal well-being are valued in Ipswich.

"Together, we are not just building facilities; we are building hope opportunity, and a legacy of communal well-being."

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