Croydon Council is encouraging young people to help design a future town centre using Minecraft, with the launch of the Design Future London Schools Challenge.
The task, aimed at all young Londoners, is to think ‘outside the blocks’ and create a healthier, greener and safer Minecraft version of Croydon town centre.
Using a free Minecraft Education licence, gamers can have fun and use their imagination to create the homes, schools, parks and high streets they think are important for future town centres.
The design challenge is a partnership between the council, GLA, the Ministry of Building Innovation and Education (MOBIE) and C40, which aims to inspire the next generation of planners, architects, engineers and construction workers.
Open to all students across London, players can join individually or as part of a group of up to five friends or classmates. To request a free licence players need to complete the registration form.
Once Minecraft builds are completed, students are asked to produce and submit a two-minute video of their creation to explain their vision and ideas. The closing date for submissions is Tuesday 25 April 2023. The designers of shortlisted ideas will be invited to attend an event in the summer.
“This is a free, fun opportunity for young people to use Minecraft to design a future town centre that includes everything they think is important and would like to see for Croydon.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the ideas that come forward and how we can potentially use them as we progress with the planning and regeneration of our town centre.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon