IPSWICH youngsters are set to get a new play centre next year.

By Paul Geater

Pix of play centre through the years, inc opening in 1981, and concluding with pic of rather shabby building today>

IPSWICH youngsters are set to get a new play centre next year.

The Landseer Play Centre is to be rebuilt in permanent premises, giving youngsters – especially those from east Ipswich – extra facilities.

The centre opened in 1981 from temporary buildings near All Hallows' Church.

It has undergone changes over the last 21 years – the adventure playground became unsafe and had to be dismantled and was replaced by a new play area built as part of Children in Need two years ago.

However the centre of the play centre itself is based in temporary buildings which have reached the end of their useful life.

They are to be replaced next year by a new £300,000 brick building.

"Work will start on the new centre in January, after the Christmas holidays, and should be open by August 1, in time for the 2003 national play day," said Steve Kemp from Ipswich council.

"The existing buildings have outlived their usefulness. "The new building will have more room for activities, a new kitchen, storerooms, offices, and toilets.

"It will be a great improvement – and a permanent centre for the play officers," Mr Kemp added.

While the new centre is being built the council's play service will operate from a temporary home which is due to be settled within the next few weeks.

The money for the new centre was granted by the council's community improvements budget whichthat has been boosted by the council's deal for the development of the nearby Ravenswood community.

Play centre history:

Opened May 1981 with adventure playground.

1998: Adventure playground dismantled after becoming dangerous.

2000: New play area opened with help from Children in Need.

2003: New play centre to be built.

said Steve Kemp from Ipswich council.

"