Portobello Square, Kensington

Client: Catalyst Housing Group for Kensington Housing Trust and Catalyst by Design

Role: Leading a project team including masterplanning, urban design, architecture, stakeholder engagement and public consultation

PRP has led a team of consultants for the options appraisal, feasibility study, masterplanning, urban design and architecture for the redevelopment of this estate in North Kensington. This sensitive site currently has planning consent for the overall masterplan as well as detailed consent for the first phase. Work starts on site in February 2011.

The consultation strategy was a key aspect of the work, due to the importance of the site within the local community and for the Borough. The strategy therefore encompassed stakeholder interviews, reports to and dialogue with local community groups such as the Golborne Forum, exhibitions and open days, drop-ins, focus groups, site visits, and workshops. Newsletters, a website and posts on Twitter kept residents informed as design work progressed. All feedback was recorded and analysed, and informed the design development, and was ultimately submitted to support the planning application as the Statement of Community Engagement.