South Gloucestershire | Archive | 2005 | December | 2
From the archive, first published Friday 2nd Dec 2005.
TALENTED sixth formers from Thornbury's Castle School are influencing plans for a major waterside redevelopment in Bristol.
They are among students from the across the South West taking part in a competition organised by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Teams from schools across the region gathered at the University of the West of England this week to prepare and present their outline proposals for a derelict site on Bristol Harbourside.
After consulting with experts during the day, each team explained why their proposals would produce a sustainable development.
More than 20 teams from 13 schools signed up for the competition, including last year's winners and runner-ups, Torquay Grammar School for Girls. Teams consisted of four people, each specialising in one of the following issues: economic, media, environment and community.
The teams' proposals will be judged by a panel of industry experts who will determine the winning team. Prizes and certificates will be awarded to all students and schools who participate.
Tony Westcott, project manager for the competition and a member of the RICS South West regional board, said: "The competition has been developed to help young people in the region understand some of the issues involved in planning a sustainable development. It is looking at issues such as energy conservation, reducing waste and pollution and providing affordable housing.
"By raising awareness of the issues, we also hope to encourage more students to consider helping to manage the built environment by joining an exciting and rewarding career managing land, property and construction."
The annual competition has been developed from a collaboration between the RICS, local teachers of the Geographical Association and the Education Resources Centre at Connexions West of England. It is supported by the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), the Bristol branch of the Geographical Association, and the Universities of the West of England and Plymouth.
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