School children shape Westbrook Centre's new park

Photo credit: So-Motive

On 15 and 28 November 2023, 60 bright minds from Milton Road Primary School (Year 5 and 6) participated in a youth engagement workshop delivered by Greater Cambridge Shared Planning's youth engagement service (YES), Reef Group and UBS developers for the Westbrook Centre redevelopment in Cambridge.

The goal was to gather local children's perspectives on a play park and public spaces. The site, conveniently close to the school, aims to support research and development sustainably, offering a play park and vast landscaped areas for the community. 

The students didn't just attend – they took charge. A site visit, a strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis, and various workshops fuelled their creativity. They designed play areas, street furniture, and bird boxes, ensuring the public spaces meet the needs of local children. 

Cllr Katie Thornburrow, Cambridge City Council Executive Councillor for Planning, Building Control and Infrastructure said;

“I'm delighted to see Milton Road Primary School's Year 5 and 6 students actively shaping the Westbrook Centre redevelopment, guided by the outstanding efforts of Greater Cambridge Shared Planning's youth engagement team. This collaboration ensures that young people are at the forefront of this development and I look forward to the next stage of the development proposal, bringing positive change to our local area."

We look forward to sharing with you the next stage of the development proposal.