SLC was commissioned by Ipswich Borough Council in March 2019 to develop a new Sports Facilities Strategy for the future delivery of the Council’s sport and leisure services. The Strategy, which was approved in June 2022, identified a series of capital investments required to sustainably meet current and future need across Ipswich.

SLC, with sub-consultants DB3 Architecture, were subsequently appointed by the Council in August 2022 to take forward the design for a new Aquatics Centre in the town centre to replace the existing Crown Pools.

SLC led a multi-disciplinary design team consisting of DB3, Press and Starkey (project management and cost consultants) and Furness Partnership (structural engineers) through all stages of the design up to RIBA Stage 3 and the submission of a planning application.

Stages 1-2 included a full review of the background information and the scope of facilities, supported by engagement with key stakeholders. A site analysis was then created which included constraints and opportunities. This informed the development of the initial concept design and an options appraisal for potential alternative siting and arrangement.

Stage 3 saw the design develop further with room data sheets, specifications for internal and external materials, detailed elevations and visuals. SLC developed the revenue business plan and Press and Starkey the outline costings to inform the Stage 3 report. DB3 developed a CGI fly-through to help bring the plans to life and support the public consultation.

The scope of the work was extended part way through to take into account the wider Portman Road masterplan which includes a hotel, multi-storey car park and an extension to Ipswich Town FC’s east stand. A process of value-engineering was also undertaken in consultation with the Council to ensure the scheme could be delivered within the budget envelope.

All project outputs were delivered on budget and in accordance with the Council’s required timeframes. The planning application for the new Aquatics Centre was approved in May 2025.

TESTIMONIAL

SLC has provided excellent support to us in a complex and challenging review. We have valued your expertise and approach and are grateful for your patience as our needs changed. The team’s expertise and sector knowledge shone through all our interactions and we would not have been able to achieve such progress without this.

Helen Pluck – Deputy Chief Executive – Ipswich Borough Council

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