55 Bishopsgate, Schroders & Stanhope
The planning consent for 55 Bishopsgate, comprising 125,000 sq m of commercial and public space, showcased the renewed viability of large office developments for institutional investors like Schroders.
Our brief was to communicate Schroders Capital & Stanhope’s development vision for the site, and to secure needed political, local, and media support to advance a planning application. This would enable the realisation of an elegant, sustainability-focused tower that will be 3rd highest in the City’s skyline. Our strategy prioritised protecting the application by employing a range of consultation and engagement techniques, including a comprehensive door-knocking initiative in local estates to ensure balanced and meaningful outcomes from diverse stakeholders.
Our narrative emphasised the building’s leading sustainability profile and made an evidence-based case for constructing a new structure rather than refurbishing the existing structure – focusing on comparable operational carbon efficiencies. This narrative was tested and enhanced through a campaign of consultation events, exhibitions, and political briefings. The data was harvested and brought to life through a 6-month cycle of local media briefings, press management, social media content, and statutory documents including an extended Statement of Community Involvement.
55 Bishopsgate is more than a city building. It is a crucial element of Eastern City Cluster, showcases London’s commitment to sustainable, accessible buildings, and sends a global signal for the resilience of the British Grade A office sector.
Services Used
KEY MESSAGING
Facilitation of project team wide workshop, drafting of dedicated messaging documents; focused upon community consultation, technical and stakeholder engagement (including with planning officers), or journalist relations
PRESS MANAGEMENT & MEDIA RELATIONSHIPS
Regular engagement with all major London focused publications, and architecture / property press
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Briefings, meetings, and feedback sessions conducted with all major resident associations within the vicinity of the Eastern Cluster, the EC BID, local and neighbouring ward councillors, and civic society organisations.
COMMUNITY LIAISON
Hosting of 9 in-person public exhibitions, and 4 online webinars – with a focus on gaining the views of local residents and stakeholders.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP CONTENT
Drafting of extended responses to amenity society criticisms of the scheme, on embodied carbon grounds. Response featured within the AJ and Building magazine.
