A Suffolk youth charity that is set to receive an East Suffolk Award is on track to submit plans for a new ‘playscape’ in February.

Woodbridge-based Jetty Lane CIO is looking to create the play area with new youth and business hubs at either end.

The charity has been on a mission to provide new facilities since the town’s youth centre was demolished in 2016.

The aim is to provide a purpose-built, sustainable space for children and young people in the Woodbridge area and to be a leading youth hub for creativity and culture.

Jetty Lane’s work has been recognised by East Suffolk Council, which has chosen the charity to receive the Community Next Big Idea award.

East Anglian Daily Times: The layout of the new playscape and hubs at Jetty LaneThe layout of the new playscape and hubs at Jetty Lane (Image: Submitted)

The East Suffolk Awards recognise the achievements of organisations and people making a positive contribution to life in East Suffolk over the last 12 months.

Launched in November, the winners are due to be announced during an event at Snape Maltings on February 28.

The charity’s trustee Cordelia Richman said: “We are really pleased that Jetty Lane has been selected as a finalist in the East Suffolk Awards 2023 for our plans for the Playscape, this is in the Community Next Big Idea category.”

The playscape would be different to a traditional playground because it would be part of the natural environment and provide opportunities for free, unstructured play designed to stimulate the imagination.

In November, the EADT reported how Jetty Lane was one of 10 charities across Suffolk and Norfolk that were involved with the Cash for Charity scheme run by the charitable arm of Newsquest Media Group’s parent company The Gannett Foundation, which owns the EADT and Ipswich Star.

The charity is hoping to raise £100,000 for the playscape with the money from Cash for Charity providing a start.