The Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service Youth Engagement Service (YES) hosted a bench unveiling ceremony at Shirley Primary School in Cambridge. The event in June celebrated the end of the 2023 YES outdoor street furniture design competition, which invited local students to contribute creatively to their urban environment. 

The two winning designs, the Caterpillar Bench and Swing Bench with Flowers were brought to life and revealed to an audience of over 300 students and teachers. These benches, designed by former students at Shirley Primary Aris and Hannah, will be enjoyed daily by pupils at the school. Identical benches will also be placed on the publicly accessible landscaped space at Vitrum Life Science Building, St John's Innovation Park. 

This initiative formed part of developer Breakthrough Properties’ youth outreach programme, encouraging meaningful engagement with local students in the early design process for the Vitrum development.  

Commemorative mugs featuring the winning designs were distributed to attendees, amplifying the spirit of pride and connection throughout the school community. 

Deputy Headteacher Suzanne Wernham at Shirley Primary School, commented: “We’re really pleased to see our students' designs turned into real benches benefitting our school. Knowing the same benches will also be provided at St John's Innovation Park means everyone in the local community can enjoy our students’ creativity.”