Clackmannanshire Council has launched a competition for secondary school pupils to design a new outdoor health and wellbeing space for the county's new Wellbeing Hub and Lochies School project.

The creators of the winning designs will earn the opportunity to shadow and learn from the project's lead architects and design team over the following months as the project progresses.

Councillor Scott Harrison launched the competition for S3 to S6 pupils, which is being run in partnership between the Council and the Futures Institute at Dollar Academy (FIDA), earlier today (23 October).

Entries should consider the accessibility of the design at the Alloa West site so the needs of users with diverse needs are met, while also encouraging active lifestyles and health and wellbeing.

Councillor Scott Harrison, spokesperson for sports, leisure and active living, said: "I am delighted to launch this competition for our young learners, giving them a chance to get involved in, and potentially make a mark on, one of Clackmannanshire's most exciting and highly-anticipated projects to date.

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"I would strongly encourage our young people to get involved and have a go at designing an outdoor space to complement the wonderful facilities planned at the Wellbeing Hub and Lochies School site.

"This really is a unique opportunity and I am sure it will be a hugely worthwhile learning experience for those that take part."

The competition is being facilitated through FIDA, who have produced resources available to learners and teachers who wish to take part in the competition.

Sustainability will be a key factor, with participants having to consider materials used for any leisure or sporting facilities they propose. They will also need to show how their design concept will encourage biodiversity on the site.

Ian Munro, Rector of Dollar Academy and founder of FIDA, said: "I am really pleased that we have been able to collaborate with the Council and other schools in Clackmannanshire on this exciting project. It will not only enable young people to build creative design skills but will also give them a voice in shaping a key facility that will bring benefits to the local community for generations to come."

The judging panel will include Councillor Harrison, Wellbeing Hub and Lochies School project team members, and the lead architects and landscape architects from the design team.

The creators of five outstanding designs will take part in a half-day workshop with the design team. One overall winning candidate or team will then be selected for a work-shadowing opportunity with the team over the following months as the project progresses.

The competition is now open and entries close on 12 January 2024.

To take part, or for further information including full competition rules, please visit the website fida.world/courses/wellbeing-hub-design-competition/