Early Engagement in Action: A reflection of the Future of Regent Street Public Realm Vision
By Martin Jenic
When it comes to community projects, the timing of engagement can make all the difference. As emphasised in a recent ECF blog post, initiating community engagement at the project’s inception is not just beneficial—it’s crucial. A great example of this is the engagement strategy employed by the WWC team behind the Future of Regent Street Public Realm Vision.
The core of any successful engagement is the community. Recognising this, the project team prioritised early engagement with local residents and businesses. This method not only deepened the understanding of the community’s ambitions but also ensured that these insights would substantially shape the design of Regent Street’s public areas.
The engagement strategy consisted of six workshop sessions and four market pop-ups over a period of four months. Recognising the bustling, dynamic nature of Regent Street, known more for shopping and its pedestrian traffic than public meetings, the project team devised a uniquely interactive method to gather feedback.
Instead of traditional, passive exhibition boards, they introduced engaging boards where passersby could jot down their thoughts on post-it notes. This method proved to be incredibly effective, capturing a wide array of ideas and feedback in a setting where people were more likely to be shoppers or commuters rather than attendees of a formal consultation.
This proactive and creative engagement strategy not only gathered substantial insights quickly but also demonstrated a respect for the time and context of the stakeholders’ daily lives. By adapting their approach to fit the unique character and pace of Regent Street, the project team could harness the diverse perspectives and ideas that might otherwise have been missed.
At ECF, we’re eager to learn from innovative consultations that engage the community right from the start of a project. We’re excited to see what the future holds for this project led by the team at Westminster City Council and The Crown Estate.
To access the full Future of Regent Street Public Realm Vision Report: Click here.
