If there’s one thing I’m truly passionate about, it’s the built environment. I believe that developments aren’t just about bricks and mortar—they’re about creating spaces where people feel at home, where communities grow, and where memories are made.
That’s why I love what I do. Some of you who listen may know that Placemaking Communications is my passion, and it’s all about helping developers and communities connect through meaningful, thoughtful communication. It’s not just about promoting a development; it’s about crafting a story and building a sense of identity that turns a project into a place people love.
In this episode I speak about what it is, why it matters, and why you need a strategy.
So, let’s dive in!
Full Transcript (unedited)
What is Placemaking Communications?
Placemaking communications is the process of creating and sharing the narrative, vision, and identity of a development to engage communities, attract stakeholders, and build a sense of belonging. It’s about more than marketing—it’s about connecting people to the heart of a place.
This approach involves thoughtful strategies to:
- Create Identity: Develop a story and brand that makes the development stand out.
- Engage Communities: Build trust and foster collaboration with local residents and businesses.
- Drive Awareness: Communicate the benefits and unique aspects of the development to attract future residents, investors, and partners.
- Foster Connection: Create a sense of place that resonates emotionally with the people who will live, work, and visit there.
Placemaking communications is about shaping how people perceive and connect with a place, both during and after its development.
Why Placemaking Communications Matters
Every place has its own unique story, and for me, the magic lies in bringing that story to life. Large-scale developments impact so many people—those who will live there, those who live nearby, and the wider community. How you communicate can make or break the success of a project.
Here’s why I think placemaking communications is so important:
- Creating a Strong Identity: A new development isn’t just another postcode—it’s a place where people will put down roots. Through clear, engaging messaging, we can help shape its identity and make it feel special from the outset.
- Engaging Communities: Developments don’t happen in isolation. Engaging with local communities builds trust, encourages collaboration, and makes people feel like they’re part of the journey.
- Attracting the Right People: Whether it’s future residents, businesses, or investors, good communication helps bring the right people to your development.
- Overcoming Challenges: Let’s be honest—big projects come with big challenges. Transparent, thoughtful communication is key to managing expectations, addressing concerns, and keeping things moving in the right direction.
Why You Need a Communication Strategy
When I work with clients, I always emphasize the importance of having a clear communication strategy. It’s not enough to just market a development—you need to think about the bigger picture.
- Clarity is Everything: A good strategy brings everyone onto the same page—developers, local authorities, communities, and stakeholders. It ensures the vision for the project is clear and easy to understand.
- Tailored Messaging Works: Not every audience is the same, and your messaging shouldn’t be either. A strategy helps you connect with different groups in ways that matter to them.
- Trust is Key: Developments often face scrutiny, and building trust is essential. A solid strategy shows you’re transparent, listening, and committed to doing the right thing.
- Longevity Matters: For me, placemaking isn’t just about the short-term. It’s about creating communities that thrive for years to come, and your communication should reflect that long-term vision.
How I Can Help
This is where I come in. I’ve spent years helping developers, businesses, and organizations navigate the world of placemaking communications. I’m not just here to help you promote your development—I’m here to help you build something that really matters.
Here’s how I can support you:
- Strategic Planning: I’ll work with you to develop a communication strategy that aligns with your vision and the community’s needs.
- Community Engagement: I’ll help you build trust and foster collaboration with local communities.
- Building Identity: Together, we’ll create a unique identity for your development that resonates with future residents and visitors.
- Managing Challenges: From handling tricky conversations to managing public expectations, I’ll help you stay ahead of potential issues.
Let’s Build Something Amazing
Placemaking communications is my passion because I believe in the power of the built environment to shape lives and create opportunities. It’s not just about the structures we build—it’s about the connections, stories, and communities we create.
If you’re working on a large-scale development and want to get the communication right, I’d love to help. Together, we can tell your story, engage your community, and turn your vision into a place people love.
Check out more about what I do with Placemaking Communications, and let’s chat about how I can help bring your project to life.
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Whether that’s support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further. You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk
Work with me closely
If you’d like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team.
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