Dorset Council is inviting young people across Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell to take part in an exciting new initiative – the Minecraft ‘Design Your Future’ Challenge – using Minecraft: Education Edition to imagine and build a better future for their communities.
As part of the wider Energising Dorset regeneration programme, this challenge empowers students to reimagine their towns through digital creativity. Participants will explore a specially created Minecraft world featuring Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell, and then design their own vision for the future—whether it’s a new transport system, a climate-friendly invention, or a vibrant community space.
Cllr Nick Ireland, Dorset Council’s Leader, said:
“This challenge is about more than just building in Minecraft.
“It’s about engaging young people in shaping the future of their local area, boosting their digital skills, and raising aspirations through problem solving, creativity and collaboration.”
The challenge is open to students from local secondary schools. Entries can be submitted individually or in teams of up to four. A panel will award prizes for creativity, collaboration and problem-solving.
The initiative has already sparked enthusiasm across the area, with over 200 students from schools such as Wey Valley, All Saints, Coastland College and Budmouth already taking part.
The challenge closes on 17 October 2025, and entries will help inform Dorset Council’s regeneration plans, including the Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster and development of the Dorset Innovation Park.
Challenge teams will come together to share their ideas on 23 October
