It’s no secret that we enjoy a good planning application project, when we get to create a whole package of marketing activity in order to engage with a community and let them know what’s happening around them.

We were delighted when, earlier this year we were contracted by Muse Developments to manage a campaign to effectively communicate information on the plans for a new Central Library & Digital Media Centre and improved Market Place in South Shields Town Centre

Muse, one of the country’s leading names in urban regeneration, is working in partnership with South Tyneside Council to develop exciting proposals to transform South Shields.

Plans for huge investment into the Town have been developed to ensure that South Shields can become a competitive and attractive retail and leisure destination with an outstanding consumer experience for both residents and visitors.

Having worked with Muse previously we were excited to formulate a communications plan to be circulated and easily available in and around the local community throughout this consultation process and up to the determination of the planning applications.

As an agency we specialise in public relations and marketing for the planning application process. Our aim is to communicate to the local community - including residents, businesses and interested parties - the plans for the proposed sites and their future development, through the implementation of various marketing activities across multiple media platforms. By doing so our objective is to both raise awareness of the plans as well as engage with and involve those who would be affected by the developments.

Activity for the 365 scheme in South Shields has included production and distribution of press releases based on various elements of the plans and the design, production and distribution of leaflets to both the local community and council members, which explain the plans and the benefits they’ll bring to the area.

In addition to this, leaflets and direct letters were delivered to members of the community with significant influence and standing, including businesses, residents and employers in the town.

Integration of marketing activity is key with this kind of project, it’s important that as many people are informed about the plans as possible and that developers are clear and transparent about the plans as they can be.

The letters and leaflets all directed the local community to a manned consultation event where the plans for the Library and Digital Media Centre would be revealed. We furnished this consultation with presentation boards, which visualised the plans for the developments. Those who attended the events were invited to feedback their opinions and thoughts on the plans using comments cards that we’d created.

Furthermore, a website, www.SouthShields365Progress.com, was created to ensure that information on the development could be kept up-to-date as it progresses. The site includes information on the development as a whole - with specific information on the initial phases; an over view of future phases; all press releases relating to the plans, and a feedback mechanism where people can ask questions or leave comments about the development.

South Tyneside Council’s Planning Committee will decide whether the plans for the New Central Library and Digital Media Centre and Improved Market Place in September, for more information visit the website above.

If you’d like to know more about how we can improve your chances of success with your planning application, talk to us .