Birmingham Construction Partnership
Stakeholder Participation

Client: Birmingham City Council - Urban Design
Location: Birmingham

Project Description

Birmingham Construction Partnership - Stakeholder Participation The project at Civic Close in Birmingham consists of the enclosure of balconies and insulated rendering along with window replacement to four residential tower blocks in the city centre. The four blocks stand in a prime location in the centre of Birmingham and are surrounded by prime developments such as the National Indoor Arena and Symphony Hall.

The residents have waited a long time for this work to be approved and as part of the early research and design work key members of the Wates team and Birmingham City Council representatives held a Partnering Workshop to which the Residents Group was invited to attend. The workshop was a huge success and well attended.

The objectives of the day were:
  • to meet the Team working on the project
  • to discuss people’s perceptions and expectations
  • to discuss the project overview, including budgets and ideas for designs
  • to discuss the proposed programme - highlighting concerns
  • the team’s roles and responsibilities
  • the involvement of the Residents Group

These objectives were achieved and feedback on the day were positive. The main comments being that we shared a passion and enthusiasm for the project to be a success.

Actions

Exterior of Birmingham Construction Project Two of the actions which came out of the Partnering Workshop were carried out very quickly.

The first was to create a regular Team Newsletter to send to all residents within the four blocks.

The first issue was about the proposed works and informed everyone that a series of consultation events would be taking place in each of the four blocks.

This was the second action to come out of the Partnering Workshop and took place over a week. The purpose of the consultation was to talk to residents about the proposed works, show them samples of products and collate their views. A residents' guide was prepared and given out along with a questionnaire asking the following:

  • Do you agree with the proposed works to your blocks?
  • Do you want your balcony enclosed or left open?
  • Do you like the proposed colour scheme?

Everyone attending the consultation completed the questionnaire. Results were 96% agreed with the works, 68% of residents wanted the balconies enclosed and 79% liked the proposed colour scheme of the block.

These results were published in the next edition of the Newsletter. Consultation with tenants and leaseholders is important when carrying out this type of work. Residents are delighted with their involvement in the whole process, and by working together this can only achieve our objectives - which is a successful project.

Contact the Innovator

Eamonn Burns
Wates House
11, Ridgeway
Quinton Business Park
Quinton, Birmingham
B32 1AF
Tel: 0121 423 2323
Fax: 0121 423 2328