New shopping and leisure centre wins widespread backing, thanks to KOR’s early engagement with the community

Early engagement with all the interested parties around a long-derelict site in a fast-growing part of Plymouth gave KOR the edge when it came to assisting developers ADC Kimberley win approval for a major shopping and leisure centre.

The site, formally a military barracks and more recently pressed into service as Covid testing centre, sits amid new businesses and close to several well-established employers.  In more recent years new housing and improved access has raised the importance of developing the site, owned by Plymouth City Council, to meet the needs of residents and workers.

The council appointed ADC Kimberely as developers of the site, the Derriford District Centre, and KOR Communications succeeded in winning a competitive pitch to conduct a programme of public consultation and engagement.  The development attracted major brands, including M&S, Costa Coffee, Aldi and a number of other well-known names.  Work is under way and the centre is due to open in Autumn 2024.

It was essential to ensure all those affected by the proposals were kept informed and had the opportunity to comment. A wide range of groups and individuals from staff at the nearby hospital to residents moving into newly-built homes needed to have their say.  It was also important to keep councillors closely informed since the site was council-owned and residents would expect their local representatives to be fully aware of all the details of the project.

Andrew Howard, KOR Communications’ senior consultant, said: “Restrictions on face-to-face meetings as a result of the Covid pandemic meant the consultation with the public had to be carried out online.”

There are advantages with online communication – although KOR like wherever possible to bring developers and the local community together, face-to-face.

He added: “If you just have an event in person then people who can’t make it get annoyed, so offering opportunities to find out about plans and offer feedback online should be part of the mix in most consultations.”

In the case of the Derriford District Centre KOR mapped out a plan of who would be most affected and ensured they were contacted.  As well as residents that meant putting up posters explaining the plans at Derriford Hospital, one of Plymouth’s biggest employers, since staff would potentially benefit from a new shopping and leisure centre.  Other employers were also contacted and fliers including a QR code for more information were distributed.

Feedback proved important in winning support.  Andrew said: “There is always a balance to be struck.  You have to put forward a plan that you believe will be accepted – but if you put together something that appears too complete people will wonder what’s the point of asking for their feedback.  It is important people are part of the discussion.”

As the plans for the Derriford District Centre were finalised and major national names confirmed, the project secured significant support from planners, local residents and staff who work in the area.  It gained full planning permission and financial backing from the council, who are keen to see the centre complete the major redevelopment of this part of Plymouth.