Join The Kielder Community Design Challenge
Do you have an idea that could make a difference in Kielder and the surrounding areas?
This is an opportunity to help shape the future...
Your ideas. Your community. Your future.
Picture Copyright IN-HOUSE FILMS
Why get involved
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.
We are inviting residents, entrepreneurs, creators, and change-makers to develop ideas and solutions that can help address local challenges with potential to transform the community.
Get involved
Have an idea?
Let us know below. Whether it’s community focussed or a business concept, product, service, or a new take on an existing idea, we are ready to explore it with you.
As long as it will benefit Kielder and or the surrounding area.
Challenge areas
Here are some challenge areas that we believe are 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
Summer 2025
A project design and development events on Monday 9th June at Falstone Village Hall and in Kielder Village (Time and venue TBC) to collaborate with like-minded people, design and development experts, refine your ideas, identify sources of funding for development in 2025.
2026
Project showcase — leading into to the 100th anniversary of Kielder Forest
Let’s turn your ideas into reality!
If you would like to start the conversation now please complete the form below and we will get back to you straight away.
