Ed Sheeran to fund new youth centre in hometown

Ed Sheeran plans to fund a new youth centre in the town where he was raised, filling the gap after an existing one closes.

The singer-songwriter plans to finance the construction of the new centre in Framlingham, Suffolk, through his charity called the Framlingham Foundation Trust.

He would also fund the centre, set to be called Fram Fam, through a charity of the same name.

A planning application detailed that the new facility would "replace and significantly enhance" an existing youth club, which announced in April it was closing down.

"The new building will be a multi-functional facility for children aged 0-18 years, for a variety of recreational activities," plans lodged with East Suffolk Council stated.

The charity would be run by local people who have been immersed in community work for a while, who Sheeran went to school with, a source told PA Media.

Sheeran, 35, has become known in recent years for his charity work, including donating to his former school Thomas Mills High School and Sixth Form.

It comes as Framlingham Area Youth Action Partnership, which offered activities for children aged between 11 and 18, announced last month it was closing after 23 years.

The new youth centre would offer a multi-purpose space consisting of an art studio, rehearsal spaces, library, cookery room, garden and more.

Plans also include a separate gym on the site that would be open to the public.

The centre would place a big emphasis on the arts, which Sheeran is passionate about, a source added.

The planning application, for land owned by Framlingham Sports Club, is awaiting a decision on permission.

In a design and access statement, the application states that the proposals "have huge community benefits, particularly in addressing the local need for youth facilities and full funding is in place for the proposed works".

"Subject to a positive determination therefore, works could commence on site in spring/summer 2026."

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