Strategic Communications

Transcription

1 Strategic Communications Capita Real Estate Create / Develop / Protect / Enhance

2 glhearn.com

3 We ve found GL Hearn s approach to communications and engagement to be both practical and effective. They recommend what s necessary and appropriate and deliver results in the tight timescales we work to and within budget. We have recommended them within the group and we can t give higher praise than that. Tom Pocock, Berkeley The Strategic Communications team helped to secure planning permission for the former Atkinson Morley Hospital. Image courtesy of Berkeley Group. 3

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5 INTRODUCTION GL Hearn s Strategic Communications team uses its unique position within a leading property and development consultancy to provide a bespoke and commercial offer to a wide range of organisations across the development spectrum. Our goal is to ensure our clients have the necessary level of political support to secure successful planning applications and developments. By understanding our clients businesses and by working closely with our property and planning teams, we help them to create, develop and enhance their interests. Our growing team has developed a reputation for delivering support and permissions whatever and wherever the project. We pride ourselves on being able to develop relationships in new areas quickly and have become the consultancy of choice for a growing number of clients in the public and private sector. Nick Jones Head of Strategic Communications Our experience covers every sector, including residential, retail, commercial, infrastructure, leisure, hotels, healthcare and education and we are already bringing our services to bear for Capita s existing clients, as well as helping the wider business secure new opportunities. At the core of our service offer is the recognition that every project and every business is different, which ensures we develop bespoke strategies that are effective; if you would like to know more about how we can help you to meet your objectives, we would be delighted to hear from you. 5

6 glhearn.com The Strategic Communications team helped to secure planning consent for One Housing Group for this mixed use development at 100 Chalk Farm Road next to the Roundhouse.

7 ABOUT GL HEARN We help clients create, develop, protect and enhance their property assets that shape our environment. All GL Hearn services are defined by insight, commerciality and technical expertise. Belfast Glasgow Edinburgh Newcastle Sunderland Our defining principles are: An understanding of specific client goals and objectives First class service and value for money Unparalleled expertise and the energy to deliver 360 degree advice from GL Hearn s combined intelligence for clients benefit Powerful local insight with extensive national experience. Dublin Liverpool Manchester Nottingham Birmingham Cardiff Cheltenham Bristol Bath Exeter Southampton London Delivery is at the core of our business. Our Development Group combines the experience of over 110 sector-specific professionals to provide an unparalleled and integrated service. Operating across the UK, the Development Group has been formed to ensure that leading market-facing, commercial, strategic and technical advice is provided by GL Hearn throughout all stages of the development process. The Group brings together experts in optimisation, development advisory, planning, viability, strategic communications, affordable housing, neighbourly matters, development management, compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) and new homes agency. Our success demonstrates that providing a combined approach delivers maximum commercial return for our clients. 7

8 ABOUT STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS GL Hearn was one of the first commercial property consultancies in the UK to establish a Strategic Communications team dedicated to dealing with the increasingly political nature of planning. The team is integrated within the firm s established planning, development and regeneration business (Development Group) and is also a stand-alone, distinct service offer. In a rapidly evolving policy and political climate, our approach is to provide an integrated Development Planning - Strategic Communications solution that is robust, comprehensive and most importantly, driven by our clients development objectives. The need for effective negotiation in securing planning permission goes much further than liaison with planning officers; politicians and community representatives play an increasingly important and influential role within decision making. It is, therefore, critical that developers understand the local landscape and engage effectively with decision makers in communities to take advantage of opportunities and respond to risks. Our Strategic Communications team offers a market-leading real estate advisory service to secure support in local authorities across the country and across the political spectrum. We offer budget-conscious engagement programmes through to high intensity and high profile local campaigns. Our track record speaks for itself; we have worked with some of the biggest development companies, retailers and infrastructure providers in the UK, helping them implement intelligent, bespoke and successful local campaigns in support of their planning projects. Our services A full service communications programme or campaign could typically include a strategic mix of the following: Political and local intelligence Political engagement Stakeholder and community engagement Public consultation Relationship building/profile raising Reputation management Crisis communications Community campaigning/supporter mobilisation Media relations and management Social media strategy Construction communications glhearn.com

9 Planning and communications: an integrated approach With the increasing emphasis on the power of communities to decide the future of their cities, towns and villages, the success of a planning application is no longer simply about effective planning officer negotiations; increasingly planning committees are overturning officers recommendations and making their voices heard and communities are coming together to influence and shape development in their area through the Neighbourhood Planning process. GL Hearn has responded to this. Our approach of integrating planning and communications advice ensures the two most important factors affecting success are considered from the outset and throughout the process. Since combining with GL Hearn s Development Group in early 2011, we are now able to provide clients with 360 degree integrated planning and communications strategies, driven by our client s development objectives. Working as an integrated project team, we are able to identify the full spectrum of political and stakeholder opportunities and risks for the project, to deliver one robust strategy for our clients. Through this approach, we are able to deliver maximum impact and value for our clients as we do no more or no less than is required to deliver planning success. 9

10 OUR TRACK RECORD seven sisters regeneration Involvement by members of the team in this strategic development project in Tottenham has spanned nearly a decade, following the initial instruction in April 2007 from Grainger, Haringey Council s development partner. The Seven Sisters Regeneration project is a mixed-use development comprising 196 homes, 15 retail and commercial units, a new Seven Sisters Indoor Market, two kiosks and public space. From the outset, we have delivered a bespoke and evolving communications and engagement strategy to support the delivery of the project in the face of strong local opposition. In 2013, planning permission was granted and we continue to advise the project team on the site assembly process and in the lead up to LB Haringey making a Compulsory Purchase Order. Results We have successfully helped Grainger to navigate through these challenges to: Secure planning permission for the project in 2013 Establish strong political and local stakeholder relationships Secure support from the wider community In addition we are also advising on executing a section 106 obligation associated with the permission. This involves engagement with local businesses, Seven Sisters Indoor Market traders and other interested parties, regarding the relocation of the market during the construction period and to monitor impact of the development on the wider area. Key challenges Over the course of the various stages of engagement, there have been several key challenges and obstacles including: A strong local campaign against the proposals by a small group of residents, who were able to raise funding to put forward and secure planning permission for an alternative proposal for the site Although permission was first granted in 2008, following judicial review, the decision was quashed in 2010 Computer generated image of the scheme, courtesy of Grainger. glhearn.com

11 keybridge house BT, with Telereal Trillium as real estate advisers, appointed our Strategic Communications team as part of a multidisciplinary planning and viability team, to secure permission for the demolition of the existing international switching centre in Vauxhall and its replacement with 415 new homes. Key challenges Whilst being within the Vauxhall Nine Elms and Battersea Opportunity Area, the site is one of the few which significantly impacts the existing community as it is on the eastern side of the Waterloo mainline. It has a primary school on one side, Vauxhall Park across the road and a church on the corner of the site. At the same time as the client was promoting a residential scheme, the Council identified the area for a new primary school to help meet the future demand from the new homes being delivered across the Opportunity Area; the Keybridge House site was the only development site in the search area and a decision had to be made on how to respond. Results Robust engagement with the local community, along with the selection of a high quality architect (chosen following advice from GL Hearn), and their subsequent design approach ensured there was widespread community support for the scheme; albeit there was opposition from the usual local groups with their own agenda. Permission was granted in 2014 and the site is currently under construction by the new owner. Computer generated image of the scheme, courtesy of Telereal Trillium. 11

12 Cambridge Assessment GL Hearn s Strategic Communications team was appointed to support the redevelopment of a new headquarters for Cambridge Assessment, the University s international examinations board, in Cambridge city centre. Key challenges The site is located within a strong residential community with the need to bring many highly vocal groups together. On the basis of other development in the area, residents had pre-conceived concerns about traffic, construction disruption and architectural quality. As the end user of the building, Cambridge Assessment was keen to protect its corporate reputation throughout. With the chair of the planning committee being the site s ward councillor and a local resident, appropriate political engagement was also vital. Results Activities throughout included political and stakeholder engagement, public consultation and media relations. GL Hearn also set up a successful residents forum which is still ongoing. The project received unanimous approval at planning committee in autumn 2014 and, following Reserved Matters consent, construction is now well underway. Computer generated image of the scheme, courtesy of Cambridge Assessment. glhearn.com

13 Orchard Centre, Didcot Hammerson appointed our Strategic Communications team to support its proposals for the extension of a retail development in Didcot, Oxfordshire. Key challenges As part of the expansion of the centre, it was necessary to close and redevelop the existing route used by buses and taxis. The rerouting of the bus routes proved to be particularly contentious locally. The team was required to work proactively to present the reasoning for the rerouting and explain options that had been considered. It was also vital to ensure that the wider benefits of the expansion overall were not lost in the noise about the bus routes. Results Working with Hammerson and South Oxfordshire District Council, (as development partner) we were able to ensure that the positives of the scheme were acknowledged by planning committee members. In the face of local and political opposition, the proposals received a resolution to grant permission at committee during the summer of Computer generated image of the scheme, courtesy of Hammerson. 13

14 Your New Town Hall, Brixton GL Hearn s Strategic Communications team was appointed by Muse Developments and Lambeth Council on the Your New Town Hall (YNTH) project: the consolidation of 14 old office buildings into a new civic building and refurbished town hall and the redevelopment of three surplus sites to deliver a mix of new homes across buildings up to 14 storeys. Three detailed planning applications (included a Listed Building consent application) were submitted in March Key challenges This major mixed-use scheme, in close proximity to existing residential communities, was a complex development to communicate. In particular, there were challenges associated with a 14 storey building close to the sensitive heritage asset of the listed town hall as well as homes and businesses. This was set against the backdrop of a number of other regeneration schemes within the area which were also being consulted upon, not all of them being supported locally. Results As we were working on a council project, a robust and inclusive approach was essential. We conducted an intensive, multi-staged, multi-channelled and multi-audience consultation with a special emphasis on encouraging minority group involvement. Neighbouring residents meetings were ongoing throughout. Planning permission was granted in autumn 2015 and GL Hearn had an ongoing appointment to set up construction management forums for local residents, businesses and stakeholders. Computer generated image of the scheme, courtesy of Muse Developments. glhearn.com

15 guy s cancer centre GL Hearn was appointed to provide strategic communications and consultation advice to Guy s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust s project communications team in relation to its proposed new Cancer Centre. The scheme comprises a new NHS Cancer Centre, King s College London Research, and Health Corporation of America s (HCA) Private Patient Unit within a 14 storey building. Key challenges The project was sensitive on the basis of a high profile client name plus the site s location within two viewing corridors of the London View Management Framework. On this basis, the Bermondsey Village Action Group had an issue with height of the building and GL Hearn needed to support the Trust in responding to this. The site also had a Scheduled Ancient Monument (a Roman Boat) beneath it so heritage issues had to be dealt with sensitively. As would be expected with an NHS Trust, internal communications was also a key part of the role. Results Public consultation was delivered through a robust programme with an elongated period for feedback and specialist engagement with the local Neighbourhood Forum to manage the Bermondsey Village Action Group issue. The scheme was approved in late 2012 and is due to open to patients in autumn Computer generated image of the scheme, courtesy of Guy s and St. Thomas Hospital. 15

16 Cromwell road Ridgeons, a timber and builders merchant, with branches across the East of England, appointed our Strategic Communications team to support residential redevelopment plans on the site of its relocating Cambridge store. The team delivered an intensive consultation programme to support the delivery of a site SPD and outline planning application. Key challenges A local opposition campaign had formed in response to proposed residential development on this site and the site s inclusion in the emerging Local Plan. On this basis, the Council required Ridgeons to deliver an SPD for the site before progressing on to the preparation and submission of an outline planning application. At each stage, the team consulted widely and demonstrated how the feedback received was addressed. Results Following multiple rounds of consultation with councillors, neighbours and stakeholders, the draft SPD has now been approved by the Council s Development Plan Scrutiny Sub-Committee awaiting adoption of the Local Plan. The team is also now ready to submit an outline planning application with good levels of local support. We continue to advise the client on the project. Sketch of new residential community, courtesy of Ridgeons. glhearn.com

17 Canary Wharf College 2, Glenworth Avenue Canary Wharf College appointed our Strategic Communications team to provide a political and community engagement strategy to support a planning application for a three storey Free School on Glenworth Avenue in the Isle of Dogs. The application for a school for 280 pupils and 30 staff had been in for planning for over four months with a strong local opposition campaign against the application, and minimal political support, when our team was appointed. Key challenges When our team was brought on board, a local opposition campaign had already commenced. This was spearheaded by immediate neighbours and had resulted in two petitions and over 40 individual local objections to the application as well as concerns from local councillors. Working closely with our infrastructure planning team, we were able to devise a programme of political and community engagement which included: Results Over a period of three months, we were able to outweigh the local opposition campaign by demonstrating overwhelming local community support for the new school with over 500 letters of support from local residents and strong political backing from senior councillors The application was approved by the Development Committee in December Intensive engagement with senior politicians and local ward members including the new (at the time) Mayor of Tower Hamlets and leaders of each political party Engagement with local residents including neighbours and parents on waiting lists for future school places in the Isle of Dogs. Computer generated image of new school, courtesy of Canary Wharf College. 17

18 Black lion house, whitechapel high road GL Hearn s Strategic Communications team advised Resolution Property Ltd to deliver a programme of political engagement and neighbour consultation in relation to its planning application to refurbish and extend Black Lion House on Whitechapel High Road. The proposals included the refurbishment of a vacant building to deliver new office development. The scheme included a 3 storey roof-top extension resulting in an uplift in area of approximately 2,500sqm Gross Internal Area (GIA) and a new pavilion building at the rear with approximately 1,103 sqm GIA of new office space. The proposals also included a complete overhaul of the external appearance of the building. Key challenges The site itself is constrained by its close proximity to existing residents adjacent to the courtyard where the new one storey pavilion is proposed. These residents objected to a previous application on the site by a different developer due to concerns over daylight/ sunlight and impact on their properties. Given the immediate neighbours active interest in the site and their ability to mobilise easily, we devised a programme of engagement focused on securing political support whilst managing local expectations. Results Despite the application being referable to the Greater London Authority, the application was granted under delegated powers. The decision to determine the application under delegated powers followed strong support for the application from local councillors. Computer generated image of the scheme from Whitechapel Road, courtesy of Resolution Property Ltd. glhearn.com

19 snapshot of our Clients

20 GL Hearn team STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS Core Team Nick Jones Strategic Communications Head of Strategic Communications Azizun Choudhury Strategic Communications Strategic Communications Associate Director Jo Sistern Strategic Communications Strategic Communications Director Wider Development Group James Cook London Residential Planning Director Ben Wrighton Commercial - Lead for Investor Developer Planning Director ben.wrighton@glhearn.com Paul Manning Commercial - Lead for Occupier Planning Director paul.manning@glhearn.com Ben Stalham Infrastructure Planning Director ben.stalham@glhearn.com glhearn.com

21 Nick Ireland Economics Planning Director Stuart Baillie Regional Residential Planning Director Jon Pinkerton Public Sector Development Consultancy Director Paul Clark Development Consultancy Development Director Daniel Stapleton New Homes Development and New Homes Director Ian Smith Neighbourly Matters Development Director

22 GL Hearn national NETWORK LONDON 280 High Holborn LONDON WC1V 7EE T: +44 (0) GLASGOW 16 Gordon Street GLASGOW G13PT T: +44 (0) MANCHESTER Vantage Point Hardman Street Spinningfields MANCHESTER M3 3HF T: +44 (0) BRISTOL Queen Square House Queen Square BRISTOL BS1 4NH T: +44 (0) SOUTHAMPTON 3rd Floor One Guildhall Square Southampton SO14 7FP T: +44 (0) SUNDERLAND Quayside House, Wylam Wharf Low Street SUNDERLAND SR1 2AD T: +44 (0) CHELTENHAM Festival House Jessop Avenue CHELTENHAM GL50 3SH T: +44 (0) EDINBURGH 145 Morrison Street EDINBURGH EH3 8FJ T:+ 44 (0) Dublin Belfast Exeter Glasgow Cardiff Edinburgh Newcastle Sunderland Liverpool Southampton Manchester Nottingham Birmingham Cheltenham Bristol Bath London

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24 GL Hearn 280 High Holborn LONDON WC1V 7EE T: +44 (0)