Case Studies / Settle Renaissance
Settle Renaissance
Testing the business case for a place-based educational offer in the Yorkshire Dales.
As part of the Settle Renaissance Market Town initiative, Taskscape was contracted by Yorkshire Forward to assess whether a proposed ‘University or College of the Living Landscape’ was viable as part of regional development plans.
Brief
The Settle Renaissance Market Town initiative was a ten-year plan backed by Yorkshire Forward to develop Settle as a thriving ‘rural capital’ in the Yorkshire Dales, creating a sustainable economy rooted in tourism, culture and entrepreneurship. Within this broader programme, Taskscape was contracted to help assess the potential value and viability of a proposed ‘University or College of the Living Landscape’, an educational offer seeking to connect vocational business skills with local ecology, heritage and placemaking. The aim was to respond to local needs for upskilling, jobs and talent retention.
Activity
- Conducted stakeholder interviews and cultural audit sessions with local partners and community groups
- Assessed the business case and feasibility of the proposed educational offer
- Delivered reports and presentations to key stakeholders
Outcomes
- A University or College of the Living Landscape in the region was deemed unviable
- The consultancy informed the broader initiative and helped move it forward, with many of the aspects explored and evaluated developed in the area through more viable routes
