Young people re-imagine the future of Gleadless Valley at the North Star event

Last week, students from Springs Academy took the lead in presenting and facilitating a creative workshop at the North Star event. As part of our ongoing engagement with young people across the Valley, the session was co-created by HLM Architects, Springs Academy and the Gleadless Valley Regeneration Team. The Springs students then delivered it to 18 different schools throughout the day.

Each visiting school gathered around a giant map of Gleadless Valley and were invited to think like architects and designers. What makes a great place to live? How could the Valley look and feel in 20 years? Using models, recycled materials and plenty of imagination, they built ideas ranging from community gardens to youth spaces, shops, parks and new ways to move around the area.

The Springs Academy students introduced the activity, explained the themes that shape the real regeneration project and supported their peers in turning ideas into small 3D models. They kept the sessions moving, answered questions and created a welcoming, energetic atmosphere.

Some highlights from the day included:

  • Greener, safer walking routes
  • New community spaces for families and young people
  • Creative ideas for local shops and services
  • Models showing how unused or tired spaces could be brought back to life

Two examples of what the students created. Map of Gleadless Valley with handmade designs. Model of a house on wheels with solar panels, a model of a big Tesco, a woodland cafe and a wind turbine. Two examples of the designs the students came up with, showing handmade models of a house on wheels, a woodland cafe, a wind turbine and a Big Tesco

What stood out most was the leadership shown by the Springs students. This wasn’t just another school activity. They played a genuine role in helping other young people explore what the future of their neighbourhood could look like.

We’ll be meeting with the Springs Academy group again soon so they can choose a winning idea from all the schools involved. The plan is for them to run the workshop again for their peers and other year groups, helping even more young people get involved in shaping the future of Gleadless Valley.

A huge thank you to HLM Architects, Springs Academy and all the students who brought such creativity and energy to the day.