Do you have an idea that could make a difference in Kielder and the surrounding areas? Then join the Kielder Community Design Challenge and take this opportunity to help shape Kielder's future.
The Kielder community is one of the most remote in England, surrounded by working forests and perched upon the shores of England’s largest reservoir. This creates many unique challenges and opportunities.
The Community Design Challenge, led by The Rural Design Centre, is a unique opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and accelerate ideas that address real challenges in Kielder and the surrounding area.
The Rural Design Centre, are inviting residents, entrepreneurs, creators, and change-makers to submit ideas and solutions that can help address local challenges with potential to transform the community.
Whether it’s community focussed or a business concept, product, service, or a new take on an existing idea, they are ready to explore it with you as long as it will benefit Kielder and or the surrounding area.
Here are some challenge areas that are believed to be important.
Connection
To strengthen social, digital, and physical connections within the community?
Travel
What new mobility solutions can improve travel to and around Kielder?
Working and living
To create work opportunities and improve access to affordable housing?
Visits and stays
What fresh ideas can support the visitor economy, including innovative experiences like Dark Skies tourism and outdoor activities?
Dark skies protection and improvement
Making the skies above everyone's heads even more beautiful for the current and future generations.
Community assets
To revive redundant, closed or unused spaces and bring new life to underused places?
Other
Have an idea or solution to a challenge area that isn’t listed? We want to hear about it.
Timetable
Spring 2025
Official launch of the Kielder Community Design Challenge
Local events and meetings to share the challenge and answer questions
A project design and development event on Monday 9th June at Falstone Village Hall to collaborate with like-minded people, design and development experts, refine your ideas, identify sources of funding for development in 2025.
2026
Project showcase at Kielder Castle — leading into to the 100th anniversary of Kielder Forest
If you belive you have a great idea fill out the form here.
Let’s turn your ideas into reality!
The sprint is supported and funded through The North East Combined Authority, Northumberland County Council, Rural Design Centre and UK Government.
