Two local secondary schools have competed in an industry-led ‘Dragons’ Den’ style pitch at St David’s Cardiff.
The Made in Cardiff competition was hosted by the city shopping destination, challenging Cardiff students to design an innovative community space in front of an expert judging panel.
Inspired by the theme ‘Reimaging your Local Retail Space’, students were tasked to think creatively and efficiently about how their ideas could enhance retail destinations and create meaningful spaces that truly serve their local communities.
Year 9 and 10 students from Eastern High School, in Rumney, and Ysgol Gyfun Plasmawr, in Fairwater, participated in a series of workshops exploring creative placemaking, community and customer insights as well as environmental sustainability before being challenged to develop a retail concept from an idea to a finished design.
St David’s Cardiff hosted the final where the students competed head-to-head in front of the judging panel. The teams displayed their initial concepts through creative mood boards, customer research plans, developed diagrams as well as factoring environmental and sustainability commitments.
The winning team from this year’s event was Union from Eastern High School whose concept was around sustainable clothing from around the world. Union will now go on to the national semi-finals ahead of the grand final in London later this year.
While shopping destinations are transforming into community spaces and experience-based attractions, the Made in Cardiff competition highlights how young people can play a fundamental role into the future of retail by strengthening communities and creating social hubs.
The school engagement initiative is delivered by St David’s Cardiff owner Landsec as part of its social impact programme, Landsec Futures – and Ahead Partnership.
Helen Morgan, Centre Director of St David’s Cardiff, said: “Made in Cardiff allows us to give students the opportunity to explore the world of retail and develop real-world skills in a hands-on environment. From engaging workshops to pitching live in front of an expert judging panel, the programme equips young people with valuable industry insight while strengthening their confidence, creativity and communication skills. It’s inspiring to see the imaginative ideas the next generation brings forward – ideas that truly reflect the needs of their communities.
“Delivered in collaboration with Ahead Partnership, which has supported more than 10,000 young people, the initiative empowers students to create something of their own, work collaboratively with their peers and gain a deeper understanding of how their ideas can shape real-world spaces – skills that will stay with them long beyond the competition.”
Andy Clarke, Head of Partnerships at Ahead Partnership, said: “Nothings brings careers and skills education to life quite like stepping into real workplaces and meeting role models face to face. The Made In Cardiff Challenge demonstrates the power of immersive, interactive experiences to ignite curiosity, broaden horizons and inspire young people to explore career paths they may never have considered.
“Our long-standing partnership with St David’s Cardiff parent company, Landsec, has enabled us to connect thousands of young people with role models across retail, the built environment and beyond. Together, we’re showing how employers can play a vital role in supporting young people to gain the insights, skills and confidence to thrive in their future careers while building pride in place and awareness of the careers that lie behind young people’s favourite destinations.”
