The Arc recognised as a ‘Great Place’

The Arc, a community well-being hub in Westcliff, Scunthorpe has been announced as a ‘Great Place’ finalist at this year’s 2024 Urbanism Awards.

The Academy of Urbanism (AoU), who host the awards, are a not-for-profit organisation, bringing together those involved in the design, development, and management of great places.

Their network of experts and enthusiasts from a range of sectors are committed to creating, sustaining, and learning from great cities, towns, and neighbourhoods.

The Arc opened in 2018, providing a central hub for the local community to access housing and financial advice, mental health support, fun family activities, youth sessions, coffee mornings, and help with education and training. They also have a café and Post Office.

The building and friendly team were shortlisted for ‘representing a poignant piece of community-led, responsive urbanism in a deprived area.

Once a contributor to the feeling of despair, the neighbourhood centre in Westcliff now yields considerable local, social, wellbeing and economic benefits with renewed hope for the future.

The Arc not only illustrates the importance of accessible local services, but also highlights the value of a shared community vision.’

Within their category is also Mayfield Park, Manchester and Union Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen.

Kerry Copson, Community Development Manager at Ongo said: “The Arc is such a special place that means so much to us all.

“Our doors are open for anyone to come along, socialise, feel safe and access support if needed. I am so proud of what has and continues to be achieved there, some of it is truly life changing.

“To be recognised for this is beyond amazing and we’re all so excited.”

Following the shortlisting, an in-person assessment will take place to all finalists, led by AoU Academicians and Young Urbanists, with reports published for AoU membership to read and vote on.

The awards are to be held on Wednesday 13 November in London with all five categories (European City of the Year, Great Town, Great Neighbourhood, Great Street, and Great Place) being announced.

To find out more about the Urbanism Awards, head to: www.theaou.org/pages/the-urbanism-awards. For more information on The Arc, visit their website (www.arcwestcliff.co.uk) or follow them on social media.