Challenge
Transport for London’s £14 million refurbishment of the A13 River Lea Crossing – on one of London’s busiest roads – required careful stakeholder and community management.
Key challenges included:
- maintaining trust and support across two boroughs (Newham and Tower Hamlets) and a diverse local population
- explaining the wider purpose and long-term benefits of the works amid short-term disruption
- creating a positive community legacy beyond the core infrastructure improvements.
Approach
Copper delivered a targeted, relationship-led engagement strategy, including:
- building strong relationships with local authorities, community groups and businesses, to support transparent communication
- developing clear, accessible messaging to link the bridge refurbishment to Transport for London’s broader goals for safer, more reliable roads
- delivering social value initiatives to ensure the project left a lasting positive impact in the area.
Value delivered
- Strengthened stakeholder relationships, leading to greater trust and advocacy
- Increased public understanding and community support through consistent, meaningful engagement
- Enhanced project perception by connecting the works to wider benefits and delivering tangible value for the local area