In July 2024, Jetty Lane CIO submitted a new Full Planning Application (following a successful Pre-Planning Application) to East Suffolk Council.
This exciting new arrangement is unique in this area, in that it brings together the charitable organisation Jetty Lane CIO, the private Childbase Partnership, and the public services of Suffolk County Council, to deliver the best outcomes for children and young people at this landmark town centre site in Woodbridge.
The building’s character and appearance respond to the vernacular maritime structures along the East Suffolk coast, with many examples seen along Woodbridge riverside and coastal locations. It is derived from the rationality and simplicity of black fishing huts, as well as other modestly constructed structures in the region.
The building's purpose is for local people to be able to engage in The arts, cultural and health and wellbeing activities, encouraging intergenerational social cohesion.
The interior provides modern, vibrant, accessible space for three distinct user groups: a range of intergenerational community groups, short-term studios for emerging artists, and office space for rent. The introduction of refined detailing, new materials and new technologies will give the buildings a more contemporary interpretation of the vernacular rather than a replication.
A beautiful scale model, made by Stowe Building Contractors is on display at The Pod, Jetty Lane. Drop-in any Saturday 10am - 1pm to view.
The project has been given a lot of local and reginal press coverage and the media is closely following the progress, with regular articles appearing in the East Anglian Daily Times.
Spring 2023 has been a time filled with projects both on and off site. Two local East Suffolk projects were completed in May, including a major refurbishment and extension of a bungalow in central Woodbridge, proving the clients with a contemporary style dwelling. All that remains is the tree and shrub planting in the large, landscaped garden, which will of course need to wait for the autumn. Also just completed is a contemporary ‘wrap-around’ glass, rear extension in a quiet rural location. This addition gives the client a large open-plan living-dining space with an amazing view across their pond and beyond to the idyllic Suffolk countryside. Thank you to Maxlight (www.maxlight.co.uk) for the super slim framed sliding glass doors. Maxlight delivered such a good service and product once again, having previously used them for other projects.
New projects include a rear and side extension (plus annexe) that has just started on site near Saxmundham. It is great to be collaborating with AP Clarke Construction (www.apclarkeconstruction.co.uk) on this project, again having previously enjoyed working with them on a project in central Woodbridge.
Numerous projects have been submitted for planning permission, including a Grade 2 listed building in central Woodbridge. For this project we are proposing to create an extended ground floor living / kitchen / dining area for a modest end of terrace cottage. Careful integration of a contemporary extension juxtaposed with the existing Victorian out-buildings is needed as part of this exciting project. The conservation officer has, so far, been supportive, and we are hopeful for a positive outcome.
A submission has also been made for a well-known and centrally located Woodbridge pub. Literally, watch this space to discover how my client plans to bring new life back to an important venue in the central Woodbridge area.
13 November 2020. Still in lockdown but congratulations to Happiness at Home and The Boathouse restaurant ready to welcome customers and diners as soon as the restrictions are lifted. It has been great working with Stowe Builders and FW Properties. So much work has gone into making The Chandlery a unique destination for us locals as well as the many seasonal visitors to the town
15 September 2020 - Work has begun on an exciting transformation of a modest 1980s bungalow near Woodbridge, Suffolk. A planning application is likely to be submitted next month. The clients moving from North London have prepared a brief to increase the size of the house substantially for their family by extending the ground floor at the rear of the property across the garden to create a generous 2 storey high family / kitchen area. Additional bedroom spaces will be created partly in the roof space but supplemented by raising the building height to 2 storeys at the rear of the house. The design approach is simple and modern in form and materials, using strong rectilinear forms punctured by fenestration with generous areas of glass facing North to gain soft light into the living spaces. - Refer early sketches below.
13 July 2020: The Jetty Lane Community project in Woodbridge, Suffolk has finally made its presence on site. 2 temporary classrooms have been delivered and installed on site ,per kind favour of Eric Reynolds, the founder of Container City. The recycled classrooms have found a new home, previously located on a boat linked by a pier on the Thames at Trinity Buoy Wharf in London's docklands. It was good to see the press there to mark the occasion. Whilst the fundraising is continuing for the new building the charity can start to reach out and serve the community by making the classrooms available for many community groups who are in need of the space. Read More
Containers as delivered to site (on the left) & possible options for externally upgrading the containers for community use as classrooms for Woodbridge and the East Suffolk catchment area.
13 July 2020: Work has finally started on site for the construction of a new restaurant at The Chandlery, Whisstocks, Woodbridge, Suffolk. It will be a landmark destination for East Suffolk food lovers who will enjoy dining with views across to the stunning Deben River and the picturesque Tide Mill.
I have been working closely with the building owners (FW Properties) and the restaurant proprietor in developing the design and layout of the restaurant and now Stowe Building Contractors have started work on site with a projected opening for November 2020 just in time for Christmas party season. The restaurant will help attract footfall to benefit other business down at the Woodbridge riverside, including a favourite local café, Coffeelink. Nearby local places of interest include the Woodbridge Museum and the Woodbridge Riverside Trust at the LongShed.
