Community Engagement in Cumbria
Creative Community Engagement kicks starts a new Park Vision in Cumbria
LayerStudio is proud to be working with Westmorland & Furness Council to create a visionary Development Plan for Castle Park in Penrith. This landmark project is aligned with the council’s innovative ‘Community Power’ engagement strategy, putting the voices of local residents and young people at the heart of the design process.
As part of this collaborative effort, Layer Studio developed a comprehensive engagement plan that has brought the community together in meaningful ways. The programme featured four public engagement sessions attended by over 300 local residents, alongside dedicated school sessions that engaged more than 100 young people.
Unlike traditional consultation methods, this engagement strategy focused on creating opportunities for participants to reflect on their experiences and aspirations for Castle Park. A range of creative activities and thoughtfully crafted questions encouraged deeper dialogue, moving beyond simple yes/no or like/dislike responses.
The data and insights gathered through this process will inform the development of a masterplan that ensures Castle Park remains a cherished and vibrant space for the community.
“At Layer.studio, we believe the best designs come from listening to those who know a place best,” says Oliver Kingshott, Designer at Layer.studio.
