PLACELAB4 2025
A MOVEMENT FOR CHANGE
PlaceLAB 4 wasn’t just another community meeting; it was a moment of transformation. The energy in the room was electric, driven by a shared belief that Scunthorpe’s future can and should be shaped by all of us.
PLACELAB4 2025
WHAT's ON THE AGENDA?
What made this event stand out was a subtle but powerful shift in mindset. Attendees weren’t asking what others should do — they were asking what they could do. This sense of personal agency is the foundation of community-led change.
The conversations were practical, hopeful, and rooted in a deep love for our town. People discussed how to build momentum, how to support each other, and how to turn ideas into action. There was a growing recognition that Scunthorpe’s strength lies in its people — our resilience, creativity, and willingness to collaborate.
This is what community power looks like: not waiting for permission but stepping forward with purpose.
Education at the Heart of Growth
Education emerged as a central pillar for Scunthorpe. The panel, led by Rob Allen, featured thought-provoking contributions from Gordon Dougan (Professor at the University of Cambridge) and students and staff from University Campus North Lincolnshire (UCNL).
The theme was clear: Why not here? Why shouldn’t Scunthorpe be a centre for learning?
innovation, and opportunity?
UCNL was celebrated as a world-class institution with the potential to anchor the town’s
future.
Its facilities, staff, and students are already making an impact — and the challenge now is to elevate its role even further. Ideas included:
- Creating a centre for data and informatics, where people of all ages can learn how to harness data to solve real-world problems.
- Building a pipeline of apprenticeships and skills development, connecting education directly to local industry and community needs.
- Encouraging student-led innovation, recognising that learners are not just recipients of knowledge but active contributors to the town’s future
YouthLAB: The Power of Young Voices
The following day, YouthLAB brought together nearly 70 young people aged 11–18 at Oasis Community Space. Led by Sian Broughton and the Community VISION team, the session was a masterclass in youth-led thinking.
Young people shared ideas on:
- Inclusivity and belonging
- Mental and physical well-being
- Transport and accessibility
- Youth zones and life skills
- Environmental sustainability
- Community rehabilitation
Their ideas will be embedded in the Neighbourhood Board’s report due in November, influencing real decisions and investments.
