Plans to transform a former bus depot near Nottingham into a lively community of 250 carefully designed and characterful (including affordable) homes have been approved by Broxtowe Borough Council – thanks, in part, to a little Copper engagement magic.
Copper was appointed by Farland Developments and Bartons Plc in 2015 to carry out communications, consultation and engagement in support of the scheme in Chilwell.
Copper’s team did this through an integrated communications and engagement campaign which included a media strategy, key stakeholder engagement and wider community consultation events.
This included working within a unique partnership between our clients and the Prince’s Foundation which was centred on an ethos of combining design and community engagement to create schemes with a lasting sense of place and which leave a positive legacy for future generations.
The resulting plans reflect the heritage of the Barton Transport site, leaving a lasting legacy for one of Nottingham’s best known companies and incorporating the character of the area, taking inspiration from buildings in Chilwell, Beeston and Nottingham’s Lace Market.
The campaign gained 100% positive media coverage and the support of the MP, local councillors and civic society. More than 400 local people attended a consultation event where they were empowered to help shape the proposals using the Prince’s Foundation’s Beauty-In-My-Backyard (BIMBY) toolkit.
Account Director Roz Henville said: “Our clients had a vision to create a liveable and sustainable community from this 12-acre brownfield site, including streets, homes, facilities and green space using the traditional values of place-making. By supporting Farland, The Prince’s Foundation and Bartons to bring the community on a journey, we encouraged advocacy from stakeholders to help put it in the best possible position to secure planning permission.”
Copper has a growing reputation in communications, consultation and engagement for housing and regeneration projects. Current schemes include Leatherhead, South Buckinghamshire, Somerset and central London.
