Orchard Centre, Didcot

Client: Hammerson
Discipline(s):

Hammerson appointed our Strategic Communications team to support its proposals for the extension of a retail development in Didcot, Oxfordshire.

As part of the expansion of the centre, it was necessary to close and redevelop the existing route used by buses and taxis. The rerouting of the bus routes proved to be particularly contentious locally.

The team was required to work proactively to present the reasoning for the rerouting and explain options that had been considered. It was also vital to ensure that the wider benefits of the expansion overall were not lost in the noise about the bus routes

Working with Hammerson and South Oxfordshire District Council, (as development partner) we were able to ensure that the positives of the scheme were acknowledged by planning committee members.

In the face of local and political opposition, the proposals received a resolution to grant permission at committee during the summer of 2015.