Earlier this week we attended the Building Garden Communities conference at the Royal Institute of British Architects in Portland Place, London.
Here’s what we learned and how these insights can help shape future projects.
Creation
The keynote opening speech was given by Matthew Taylor. Now Lord Taylor he has worked with successive governments on reforming national planning policy to support more sustainable forms of development and improved community engagement in placemaking. He is well known, amongst other things, for creating the Government’s “Garden Communities” policies for 21st century sustainable new communities and neighbourhoods.
Matthew spoke passionately about the creation of community, he said that it is easy to plan houses and that net zero ambitions are now understood, but that it is difficult to deliver schemes with mixed use that would include shops, cafes, open space as well as new homes. He said that we must look to create modern market towns and that placemaking and community creation should be at the heart of this.
The Future of Build To Rent
We were particularly interested in the panel event on Build to Rent. Our friends and clients at @ModaLiving the build to rent operators who have recently launched their Hove Central site has certainly set about those communities that Matthew Taylor so passionately about. Hove Central’s new neighbours were also present. In the form of David Reid, Managing Director of Suburban Build to Rent at Legal & General Capital.
David said that Legal & General want their customers to stay longer and that they didn’t see BTR as a transient option. He described the average quality of rental accommodation in the private sector as ‘not very good’.
BTR is not just a ‘nice to have’ but rather it is a ‘must have’. However, there is still more work to be done to ensure politicians recognise the BTR contribution as the solution to the problem.
The Importance of Early Engagement
One of the key themes that emerged from the conference was the critical role of early engagement. Engaging with communities at the onset of a project not only fosters trust and transparency but also harnesses local knowledge that can enhance project outcomes. Early engagement helps mitigate potential conflicts and ensures that the development aligns with the community's needs and aspirations.
Innovative Engagement Strategies
During the conference, several innovative engagement strategies were highlighted. These include using digital tools and platforms to reach a broader audience and hosting interactive workshops that allow for real-time feedback and discussion. For instance, virtual reality simulations of planned developments can provide a tangible sense of the proposed changes, helping community members visualise the impact and express informed opinions.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the best intentions, community engagement faces several challenges. Language barriers, engagement fatigue, and distrust in developers are significant hurdles. The conference shed light on the importance of clear communication, consistent follow-up, and demonstrating commitment through action—developers need to show they are not just listening, but also acting on the feedback received.
The Way Forward
The Building Garden Communities Conference made it clear that effective community engagement is not just about ticking a box but about genuinely understanding and integrating community input into development projects. As we move forward, the lessons learned from the conference should inspire developers and policymakers alike to innovate and commit to meaningful engagement practices.
By placing communities at the heart of development, we can ensure that the cities and towns we create are not only physically sustainable but also socially vibrant and inclusive.
Are you ready to transform how you interact with your community stakeholders? At Silverstone Communications we bring expertise and innovative solutions to your engagement challenges. Whether you're planning a new development or looking to enhance existing projects, our tailored strategies ensure that your initiatives are met with approval and enthusiasm.