ROCHDALE PARTNERSHIP ACADEMY: THE POWER OF YOUTH VOICE
For Aizah, taking part in the Rochdale Partnership Academy opened up a career path they had never previously considered. For Oli Boaler, Placemaking Manager at Rochdale Development Agency (RDA), the programme showed the value of putting young people’s voices at the heart of regeneration.
Together, their experiences demonstrate how Partnership Academies can create opportunities for young people while giving organisations meaningful insight into the communities they are shaping.
“It opened my eyes to how much the spaces around us can affect people, and since then, I’ve wanted to be part of shaping that.”
Aizah: Discovering the built environment
Aizah first discovered the programme through a workshop at Rochdale Sixth Form College.
“The workshop had a lasting impact on me; it was the first time the industry actually felt real and accessible to me, rather than something distant or out of reach.”
After enjoying the opportunity to look at Rochdale through a different lens, Aizah joined the four-day programme. The experience completely changed how they saw her future.
“A year ago, I never would’ve imagined that something which started as a four-day programme would completely change the direction I see my future going in. PLACED Academy was my first real introduction to architecture and the built environment industry, and it’s now become something I’m genuinely passionate about pursuing.”
Aizah also helped create work that was displayed outside Rochdale Town Hall as part of the FAB! Festival.
“Knowing something we created together is now part of that space is such a proud moment. What we managed to achieve in only four days still amazes me.”
The programme also helped build their confidence in sharing ideas and speaking to professionals.
“More than anything, it made me realise I’m not as limited as I thought I was. I can contribute, I can think creatively, and I can hold my own in spaces I used to feel unsure in.”
Oli: Putting youth voice into practice
For RDA, supporting the programme was an opportunity to both open up built environment careers and better understand how young people experience their borough.
“Embedding youth voice in regeneration is central to our commitment to an inclusive approach to regeneration, engaging our residents in shaping the future of the borough and creating places that truly respond to local need. Rather than a single project, we’re keen for this to mark the start of a new approach.”
Ideas from the programme are already informing RDA’s work. A lack of free activities for young people emerged as a key theme, with the Culture & Placemaking team working to deliver ideas including outdoor cinema and play-based pop-ups.
Oli believes listening to young people can also challenge how they are viewed within regeneration.
“Our town centres belong to our young people as much as anyone else... we should see their desire to spend time in our town centres as an opportunity, not a threat.”
Opening up opportunities, shaping better places
For Oli, Aizah’s experience captures exactly why programmes like this matter.
“It's only by diversifying the range of voices involved in creating spaces and places that we can make sure they consider the needs and priorities of everyone who uses them.”
For Aizah, the programme has opened up a future they had not previously imagined. For RDA, it has provided ideas and perspectives that can directly influence how Rochdale evolves. Together, their experiences show what becomes possible when young people are given the skills, confidence and opportunity to help shape their places.