Plans for a new swimming pool and leisure facilities on Portman Road have moved ahead with the publication of a new study looking into the project.

And Ipswich Council is considering moving out of its headquarters at nearby Grafton House - and possibly converting the building into affordable homes.

The two projects are due to be considered by its executive next week.

Plans to build a new leisure and swimming centre on the former cattle market in Portman Road were first drawn up by late chief executive Jim Hehir in 2008 - but were reinvigorated two years ago when a full study was launched.

Now that is going to be discussed by the borough's executive next week - alongside a discussion about the future of Grafton House.

The council says that a large part of its building is now unused because of a fall in staff numbers and an increasing number working partly from home.

The building - which opened in 2006 - will need major work in the medium term and it might not be worth retaining it as offices.

Some space is leased out to another business but some floors are empty because of the lack of demand for office space after the Covid pandemic.

The building would need a change of use in its planning permission, but the borough says its location close to the town centre and the railway station would make it popular for flats.

The proposals would also see a slight re-alignment of Portman Road to bring the football club into the leisure area.