Providing comms support for a major project : Langarth Garden Village
Following Cornwall Council’s decision in 2019 to take an active role in delivering the proposed Langarth Garden Village I was commissioned to lead communications and engagement for the project.
The scale of and background to the scheme (up to 3,800 new homes, historic local opposition to the principle of development on the site, concerns over the impact on roads, health services etc ) and the number of stakeholders and audiences involved required a coordinated, effective and sensitive approach to comms and engagement using a wide range of activities .
Last December the project received outline planning permission, with no formal objections from partners or stakeholders, including landowners, town, parish and Cornwall Councillors and adjoining local communities.
The project has now moved into the delivery phase which has involved the appointment of a new programme director.
In my role I am responsible for setting up and subsequently managing a stand alone external website and dedicated social media channels for the project, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
This has involved creating and publishing new and engaging content, including blog posts, articles, press releases, statements, FAQ’s, photos, and videos (which I film and edit).
Here are some examples of the films I have produced to support the project:
My role also involves producing a regular project newsletter, liaising with landowners, partners and the local community and managing engagement and consultation events and workshops as required. This has included producing exhibition material, leaflets, flyers and posters.
I hold regular meetings with individual project leads to identify positive stories and any potential issues which require managing in the future, and also attend monthly board meetings to report on communications activities. This includes providing information on the impacts of comms and engagement, with information on attendance at events, media coverage, and visits and engagement involving the website and social media channels.
As the project involves a number of internal and external stakeholders, including landowners, a number of Cornwall Council services, four town and parish councils, the local MP and Government departments, I provide regular updates and briefings on all aspects of the scheme.
I work closely with the communications team at Cornwall Council and have produced a communications protocol and a crisis communications plan to ensure effective communications between all partners. This includes a clear process for alerting partners to any negative issues .
I am responsible for dealing with media queries about the project, drafting responses and statements for sign off by the Council and managing broadcast interviews as required. https://www.langarth.co.uk/
“Trisha Hewitt has directly supported the Langarth Garden Village project for the last three years coordinating all of our communications and stakeholder engagement for the delivery of what will become the 7th largest town in Cornwall. Her product and support is exceptional. Trisha’s approach, connections and width of capability is everything that we expected and more. Her political nous, public awareness and ability to navigate difficult situations quickly made her a pivotal member of a large, dynamic team. I have commissioned her for other projects.” Les Allen, MBA, PGCE, MA FinstLM, Grad MCIPD, MIOD, former Client Programme Director for Langarth Garden Village and Managing Director L&L Diverse Solutions Limited.