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Community Engagement: Building Developments that Serve Local Needs

At Alderley Group, we believe that successful urban development goes beyond constructing buildings—it’s about creating vibrant communities that serve the needs of local residents. Our commitment to community engagement is at the heart of our development strategy, ensuring that every project we undertake is tailored to enhance the lives of those who live and work in the area.

 

Involving Local Communities in the Planning Process:

Community engagement begins long before the first brick is laid. At Alderley Group, we actively involve local residents, businesses, and stakeholders in the planning process to gather insights and address concerns. This collaborative approach ensures that our developments reflect the aspirations and needs of the community. We prioritise meeting and speaking with local residents during the planning stage – these initial communications help us understand their concerns and aspirations for the area.

 

Hosting Meetings with the Public:

Throughout the planning stage, we host regular meetings with local residents at Community Centres to obtain input and feedback on our proposed designs. This gives community members and neighbours the opportunity to voice their opinions and requirements on proposed projects. Additionally, we organise meetings every three months throughout the development stage to gather continuous feedback and ensure ongoing community input. These sessions are crucial for understanding local priorities and integrating them into our development plans. By creating open channels of communication, we foster trust and collaboration with the community.

 

Design Amendments:

Based on the feedback and aspirations of local residents, we amend our designs to better support their vision for the area. This iterative process ensures that our developments are well-received and truly beneficial to the community.

 

Local Advisory Panels:

We establish local advisory panels comprising community leaders, residents, and business owners. These panels provide ongoing input and guidance throughout the planning and development process. Their insights help us make informed decisions that benefit the community and align with local values.

 

Ongoing Communication:

During the development phase, we maintain transparency by sending newsletters to local residents, providing updates on progress and upcoming milestones. This ongoing communication keeps the community informed and engaged throughout the construction process.

 

Commitment to Excellence:

Every Alderley Group development scores Excellent in alignment with the Considerate Constructors Scheme, which is dedicated to helping the construction industry raise its standards in being a considerate constructor and build trust with the public. Our consistent ‘Excellent’ rating reflects our commitment to high standards of safety, sustainability, and community engagement.

 

Giving Back to the Community:

We also believe in giving back to the communities where we build. We provide opportunities such as apprenticeships and work experience to local residents, helping to foster skills and employment. Additionally, we have established charity partnerships that benefit the local area. For example, we fund initiatives with the Outward Bound Trust Charity, offering local schools, colleges, and employers opportunities to explore the great outdoors and embark on wild adventures.

 

Alderley Group | Pomeroy Court

Reviewing the progress of our Pomeroy Court development with local Housing Association, Housing 21

 

Success Stories: Previous & Current Developments

Our commitment to community engagement has resulted in several successful projects that serve local needs and contribute to the well-being of residents.

 

Marsh House, Warrington: Marsh House is made up of 30 one- and two-bedroom apartments under an affordable rent scheme. Located in Warrington, Cheshire, and delivered through the Housing Association, Torus, Marsh House is complete with cycle storage, a car park for residents, and soft landscaping. These features provide residents with the tools to increase their quality of life, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

Povey Road, Warrington: Povey Road is a shining example of how community involvement can shape a project. During the planning stages, we worked closely with local residents to address their concerns about traffic and environmental impact. As a result, we incorporated additional green spaces and improved traffic management solutions into the development plan. The project now features 45 one- and two-bedroom apartments designed with sustainability in mind, including solar panels and superior insulation, which were direct responses to community feedback.

Hallwood Park, Runcorn: At Hallwood Park, we collaborated with the local housing association, Onward Homes, to ensure that the development met the specific needs of the Runcorn community. The project includes 27 one- and two-bedroom apartments surrounded by lush greenery, providing residents with a serene living environment. Features such as cycle storage and a car park with electric charging points were added based on community input, promoting sustainable living and reducing the area’s carbon footprint.

Town Hill, Warrington: Town Hill is another example of our successful community-focused approach. In partnership with the housing association Torus, we developed 39 one- and two-bedroom apartments that cater to the needs of local residents. The inclusion of cycle storage, basement car parking, and a roof terrace were all ideas that came from community consultations. These amenities not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.

Pomeroy Court, Huyton: Pomeroy Court comprises 40 one- and two-bedroom apartments in Huyton, Merseyside, offered through a retirement living scheme for the over-55 market. Delivered with the national Housing Association, Housing 21, Pomeroy Court provides residents with a car park with electric charging points, cycle storage, buggy storage, and communal areas for socialising, including external communal areas. These features support community building and a high quality of life, surrounded by soft landscaping.

 

Hallwood Park | Cycle Storage | Community Development

May ’24 Progress Photo of Cycle Storage at Hallwood Park, Runcorn

Hallwood Park | Disabled Parking | Cycle Storage | Community Development

May ’24 Progress Photo of Disabled Parking Facilities at Hallwood Park, Runcorn

 

Upcoming Projects: Developments that Serve Local Needs

Looking ahead, Alderley Group is excited to embark on new projects that continue to prioritise community benefits. Our upcoming developments are set to follow the same community-focused approach – ensure that our projects aligns with needs and expectations of the local community.

 

Howley Lane, Warrington: Our upcoming project on Howley Lane is set to be the largest development in our portfolio. This social rent housing development includes 67 one- and two-bedroom apartments, car park, and gardens for residents, overlooking the River Mersey. Designed by BTP Architects and supported by Cheshire Planning Solutions, this project is poised to provide affordable housing that meets the community’s needs and promotes social cohesion.

Manchester Road, Walkden: Manchester Road is another upcoming project designed with community needs in mind. Located in Walkden, this development will offer retirement living apartments with communal areas and accessible amenities. We are working closely with local stakeholders to ensure that the project supports the well-being of older residents and promotes social cohesion.

 

Howley Lane | Alderley Group Development

CGI of upcoming Howley Lane development, Warrington

 

Conclusion

At Alderley Group, community engagement is not just a box to tick—it is a fundamental part of our development philosophy. By involving local communities in the planning and development process, we create projects that truly serve the needs of residents and enhance the quality of life in urban areas. Our success stories and upcoming projects demonstrate our unwavering commitment to building developments that benefit communities and foster sustainable growth.

Stay connected with us via LinkedIn and X to learn more about our community engagement initiatives and how we are making a positive impact in urban development.

Authors & Contributers

Nicola Gibson

Nicola.Gibson@alderley-group.com

Author

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