EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network

Greenwich Hospital Site

Introduction

Case study to highlight a consultation approach in preparing a developer brief for a key urban development, illustrating how early and ongoing engagement can draw positively on community knowledge to inform and influence the design and how community engagement can be integral during the process.

Problem

The site is located on key crossroads in East Greenwich but has become separated from the surrounding urban context and the local community. The project aimed to re-integrate the site back into the urban fabric and form a new heart for the community.

Description

The 'Heart of East Greenwich' occupies the site of the former Greenwich District Hospital – a concrete panel building which had become obselete.

Greenwich Council wanted to relocate a number of public service facilities to the site to create a new community focal point for the area and saw the engagement of the local community essential for the long-term success of the development.

Two distinct local communities were identified and a new community facility including a leisure centre, library and health centre will form a key focus for the development, alongside private and affordable homes.

Approach

The project included the following engagement techniques:

Open House Exhibition and consultation feedback sessions to gain participant views on proposals
Newsletters to all participants, residents and working groups to inform progress
Letters, emails and posters to participants and residents to invite local people to view a public exhibition
Public exhibition for local people to see and give feedback on proposals for three shortlisted developers.
Over 150 people attended the event.

Results

The project gained widespread agreement on a development brief for a mixed use scheme by including local suggestions and ideas on both detailed design and strategy.

The community continued their interest and engagement with the site and over 80 people provided detailed written feedback following the public exhibition.

Shortcomings of the process included not providing enough time or information to local people before design events were held to help inform their contributions to the engagement process.

Beneficiaries

Local residents and local retailers.

Resources used

Newsletters, posters, open exhibitions

Contact info

English Partnerships
hoeg@englishpartnerships.co.uk
Philip Dibsdale

Project start date

/12/2004

Links

Visit the English Partnerships website Visit the Community Planning website

Download the 'Greenwich Hospital Site' Report (PDF, Eng, 187 KB)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Keywords

Citizens' participation