Consultancy | M&N Place
Mushrif Central Park in Abu Dhabi (left) and London’s St Pancras station are perfect examples of successful consultations
Stakeholder Engagement in the Built Environment
If there is dialogue between stakeholders the end product will be successful, says consultant Martin Winch.
W
hen any new project is proposed in the UK there is a process of consultation that
embraces all those affected by the idea. Consultation helps to create the placemaking dynamic where a destination becomes successful because a bond is created between the end user and the place. It’s a process that should be followed through consistently and cohesively, keeping the engagement going through the entire development lifecycle. In western countries, stakeholder engagement is driven by planning legislation. Governments, councils and developers recognise that if there is no consultation, there is a danger the project will fail. Despite the red tape which inevitably surrounds the planning process, time must be built into the programme to carry this out.
‘Governments, councils and developers recognise that if there is no consultation, there is a danger the project will fail.’
Ignoring it can be a huge risk. The key to successful pre-
planning consultation and stakeholder engagement is to understand how specific local communities operate. This includes respecting their opinions, isolating the vocal minority and entering into the process of engagement, both online and through public meetings. Keeping this engagement process in place then allows community buy in, so that by the time the project is completed people will feel part of it. In itself, this ‘buy-in’ helps to create a sense of place, that intangible quality which sets some developments apart from others.
In the UK, M&N Place worked on St Pancras International in King’s Cross. Consistently voted London’s favourite railway station, stakeholder engagement was fundamental to achieving this accolade. Securing the buy-in of train operators, restaurants, retailers and customers all helped to transform St Pancras International into what it is today - an iconic destination where over a quarter of its one million visitors each week are non-travellers. This in itself is testament to the success of engagement and meaningful dialogue at every stakeholder level. In some countries stakeholder engagement may not be part of
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the legislative process, yet the process is becoming recognised as a valuable part of any development vision. In Abu Dhabi, where M&N Place has an office, community workshops, focus groups, exhibitions and on line forums are all gradually being seen as being part of the essential dialogue needed between stakeholders. At Mushrif Central Park where
M&N Place has been managing the communications programme since its launch in 2010, the vision is to create a ‘People’s Park’ for all visitors to enjoy and experience. Constant consultation has helped to build excitement and anticipation for the opening of the redeveloped park later this year. Stakeholder engagement has ensured less hostility and more cooperation from those people who are going to use it. More community engagement is therefore the key to creating successful destinations. As emerging markets come to appreciate this vital tool in developing new cities, districts and places stakeholder engagement is becoming an accepted part of the development process.
GO
FURTHER INFORMATION
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CONSULTANCY
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M&N PLACE
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