Amidst the vibrant and historic setting of Bloomsbury, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) embarked on a challenging redevelopment journey. This endeavour was not merely an exercise in replacing an antiquated outbuilding with a modern facility. It was a complex undertaking that required careful navigation of a densely populated urban landscape, prioritising sensitivity and foresight. The decade-long planning process undertaken by LSHTM provides a case study in successfully managing development projects in similar environments.
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At the heart of LSHTM’s approach was a steadfast commitment to community engagement. Recognising the necessity of understanding the local community’s perspectives, LSHTM aimed to avoid the adversarial “them and us” dynamic that had plagued previous projects in the vicinity. To bridge potential gaps, LSHTM enlisted the expertise of Vicky Ratcliffe from Engage Involve, a specialist in community engagement, who became integral to the project from 2014. Her mission was to cultivate trust and open lines of communication, ensuring that the concerns and aspirations of local residents were not only heard but respected.
Community engagement was not treated as a perfunctory task by LSHTM, but as a fundamental element of the project’s success. This commitment to open and honest dialogue was pivotal, not only in averting potential setbacks and cost overruns but also in establishing a foundation for sustainable relationships with the surrounding community. The presence of a dedicated community engagement consultant proved invaluable in managing expectations and facilitating a participatory planning process, where local input was welcomed and valued.
As the redevelopment project advanced, adaptability emerged as a crucial factor. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic coincided with the commencement of demolition activities, necessitating a swift pivot to virtual platforms for community liaison meetings. This demonstrated adaptability ensured that community representatives could continue to engage with, and influence, construction methodologies. The relationships nurtured by the consultant proved resilient, enabling a seamless transition and underscoring the efficacy of genuine community engagement.
Throughout the project, LSHTM and its design partners, BMJ Architects, maintained an unwavering focus on listening to both institutional staff and local residents. While the staff anticipated the advantages of the new facility, local residents were understandably concerned about the prolonged disruptions to their daily lives. In response, LSHTM proactively sought feedback through workshops and community events, approaching the local populace not as an impediment but as a source of valuable insights and contributions to the project.
The redevelopment initiative by LSHTM highlighted the critical importance of accountability and humility in executing estate management projects. By prioritising community engagement and fostering trust, LSHTM not only achieved cost and time efficiencies but also enhanced its reputation and strengthened its relationships with the local community. This strategic approach has empowered the university to proceed with its developmental ambitions, buoyed by robust community support.
In synthesising these experiences, it becomes evident that managing development projects in urban environments extends beyond technical prowess. It necessitates a profound commitment to genuine community engagement, the agility to adapt to unforeseen challenges, and an unwavering sense of accountability. Embracing these principles allows organisations to realise their development objectives while nurturing harmonious relationships with the communities they serve, ultimately leading to a symbiotic and sustainable future.
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