Redwood led the successful pre-application consultation on the redevelopment of Hammerson’s Elliott’s Field shopping park in Rugby, during 2012 and early 2013. The planning application represented a £35 million investment in Rugby and included a full-line Debenhams store. It was approved in May 2013 with the near unanimous support of Rugby’s planning committee.
The consultation involved close dialogue with local elected representatives, key stakeholders, the wider local community and local media. Public exhibitions at Elliott’s Field and in Rugby town centre, attended by almost 500 visitors, coupled with a well-attended special preview for councillors, served as effective centrepieces. Strongly supportive written feedback from almost 160 visitors helped secure excellent local press coverage, which lasted from the announcement of the proposed redevelopment through to determination of the planning application.
Approval was achieved with strong cross-party support from councillors, including all three ward councillors, the backing of the local MP and other key stakeholders, and the successful mobilisation of enthusiastic supporters identified during the consultation itself.