An independent engagement company has been commissioned to deliver the consultation on the new scheme for Armada Way, later this autumn.
Whilst work continues on the new proposed design for Armada Way, Plymouth City Council has engaged an independent company – ECF – to lead on the management, delivery and evaluation of the public consultation that will gather insight to help shape the final design.
Working with external experts to deliver the consultation provides reassurance that the process will be fair, transparent and in line with industry guidance and best practice.
ECF (Engage, Communicate and Facilitate) is a communications and engagement consultancy that specialises in supporting built environment, healthcare and renewable energy projects across the country.
The team designs and delivers bespoke communications and engagement campaigns that help bring their clients and the communities they work with closer together. Their expertise ensures that projects are transparent, robust, and inclusive. They are members of both The Consultation Institute and The International Association of Public Participation, and their work meets the standards set out by those organisations.
Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Over the past few months we have been reviewing the previous consultations that have been undertaken regarding Armada Way. It is important that our new design considers this feedback, whilst bringing forward further ideas to help rejuvenate and bring life back to the city centre.
“We want genuine consultation on those elements of the scheme that are different to the old scheme. We want this process to be beyond reproach and, importantly, to provide an opportunity for those seldom heard-from voices to have their chance to have their say.
“ECF are experts in this field. They will be designing and delivering a consultation that will reach out to businesses, families, young people, shoppers, those who live in the city centre and those who are frequent visitors.
“Over the next few weeks they will be reaching out to key partners and organisations in the city to discuss their plans for the consultation and ensure that as many people as possible are given the opportunity to be involved.”
More information about the consultation will be published in the next few weeks. It is hoped that the consultation will launch in the Autumn.