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Major expansion planned for Ipswich Sports Club

News
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Ipswich Sports Club's plans for new padel courts and gym extension have been recommended for approval, with restricted hours to protect neighbours.

Why it matters: The development would enhance sports facilities in Ipswich, adding four padel courts, one pickleball court, and a 110 sq.m. gym studio to the Henley Road site.

Outdoor paddle and tennis courts at Ipswich Sports Club
Ipswich Sports Club's plans for new padel courts and gym extension have been recommended for approvalOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details: The plans include:

  • A 10-metre-high fabric roof canopy over the courts

  • A glass and fenced enclosure around the extended court surface

  • A small spectator stand with 29 seats and space for four wheelchairs

  • Retrospective permission for shipping containers near the main building

What they're saying: The Ipswich Conservation and Design Panel has raised no objection, noting the established sports location and distance from housing would help manage potential impacts.

Yes, but: Local residents have expressed concerns about noise and light pollution. Three objections were received, with neighbours requesting restricted operating hours.

What's happening: In response to these concerns, officials recommended:

  • Operating hours limited to 08:00-20:00

  • Further planting to improve screening

  • New native hedgerow planting to achieve an 11.58% biodiversity gain

  • Details of lighting to be approved before installation

The bottom line: Planning officers concluded the development would be acceptable, balancing the benefits of enhanced sports facilities against local environmental and residential impacts.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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One man's mission to preserve Ipswich's transport heritage

Feature
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

As our transport landscape continues its rapid evolution, one local enthusiast has embarked on a remarkable journey to preserve a piece of Ipswich's recent history.

Bus preservation in Britain has come a long way since 1956, when four pioneering enthusiasts purchased their first historic London bus for a mere £40. Today, more than 5,000 preserved buses grace our nation's roads, each telling its own story of public transport's evolution.

This story begins with fleet number 147, an Optare Versa bus that once ferried countless passengers between London Road and Martlesham park and ride sites.

Now, this former Ipswich Buses workhorse has found a new home, rescued from potential obscurity for £4,000, by Jake Gooding, a local bus enthusiast and now proud preservationist.

I have to say, £4,000 for a fully-operational bus feels like an absolute bargain when compared to the cost of a half-decent SUV nowadays.

After becoming sidetracked (a common occurance for me) and going down a potentially divorce-inducing rabbit hole, exploring the idea of a "News Bus" in Ipswich, I got back to the task in hand.

"Indeed, prices of single deck buses are usually around the £2,500 range for a second hand one, and double deckers are usually around £4,000-£5,000, Jake informed me.

"The reason why ours was a little expensive is because it has a range of mod cons like air-conditioning, next stop announcements capabilities etc."

Optare Versa fleet number 147
Optare Versa fleet number 147Jake Gooding

Jake's vision includes restoring the vehicle to its former Ipswich Buses glory, complete with period livery. It's a labour of love that will demand dedication and expense, with annual running costs of around £500 and regular maintenance to keep the bus roadworthy.

The Optare Versa itself has an interesting technical history. Originally fitted with a MAN engine, it later received a Cummins power unit during its service life with Ipswich Buses. These engineering changes reflect the practical realities of keeping a hardworking public service vehicle on the road.

If all goes according to plan, this piece of Ipswich's transport heritage will make its preserved debut at The Big Bus Show at Stonham Barns in August 2025. There, it will stand (park?) proud as a testament to our town's transport heritage and the dedication of those who work to preserve it.

Jake Gooding
Jake GoodingJake Gooding

Some might question why anyone would want to preserve such a relatively modern vehicle. Yet in an era of rapid technological change, where tomorrow's buses might be unrecognisable from today's, preserving examples of recent transport history becomes increasingly important.

Fleet number 147's story didn't end when it left Ipswich Buses' service in November 2020. Instead, it's beginning a new chapter – one that will help ensure that future generations can appreciate how their parents and grandparents travelled around our town.

You can follow the project via its dedicated Facebook page.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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