Grove Court Regeneration Project
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 9
Strategic Communications & Engagement
A high‑stakes regeneration project that needed clarity, calm and control
Grove Court is one of Thrive Homes’ most complex regeneration programmes — a multi‑year redevelopment involving demolition of ageing blocks, full resident decant, and intense scrutiny from residents and local councilors. It’s the kind of project where communication isn’t a nice‑to‑have; it’s the difference between trust and tension.
At the outset, resident communication had been left largely to the contractor. While well‑intentioned, this approach created gaps in clarity, consistency and tone — gaps that became visible when mud on local roads attracted media attention and triggered frustration among residents and councilors.
This moment became a turning point. Thrive Homes needed a trusted communications partner who could stablise the narrative, rebuild trust and create a smoother connection between residents, contractors and the development team.
This is how we helped reset the project and build a clearer, more confident path forward.
The Challenge: Resetting trust and rebuilding alignment
Grove Court required a communications approach that could operate confidently in a sensitive, high‑risk environment. The challenges were clear:
Resident communications were sporadic, creating confusion and inconsistency
Media attention escalated after site issues, increasing pressure on the project
Residents needed clarity, reassurance and honest dialogue
Technical planning, phasing and decant information had to be made accessible
Councilors, community groups and partners needed coordinated messaging.
Our Approach: Turning complexity into clarity — brick by brick
A people‑centred communications strategy
We reframed the entire communications approach around resident needs. Clear language. Straight answers. Consistent messaging. No jargon. No surprises.
Accessible, tailored materials
We translated complex regeneration detail into simple, visual, step‑by‑step information both online and offline covering:
What’s happening and why
Timelines and phasing
What residents can expect next
Everything was designed to reduce anxiety and build understanding.
Whilst the contractor retained ownership of printed newsletters we ensured they positioned Thrive Homes as the owner of the project and aligned with the company’s brand and approach. In addition, we created a project microsite sharing contact details, latest news, photography and drone footage.
Meaningful engagement that builds trust
We created genuine opportunities for dialogue with local residents and stakeholders — not just broadcast:
Clear and responsive communication channels promoted in high traffic areas
One‑to‑one conversations
On‑site presence
A series of stakeholder events to showcase progress.
Residents saw Thrive listening, responding and showing up.
Strategic advice for senior leaders
We provided real‑time counsel on:
Stakeholder management
Political sensitivities
Media handling
This ensured the project team spoke with one voice — confident, calm and consistent.
Creating social value that strengthened local relationships
Alongside stabilising the regeneration narrative, we introduced a proactive social value strand to shift the conversation from disruption to opportunity. Using the projects social value fund, we community grants initiative that invited local schools, organisations and community groups to apply for funding for projects that would benefit local residents during the regeneration period.
This wasn’t just a nice add‑on — it became a strategic engagement tool.
The grant programme opened up positive, future‑focused conversations with stakeholders who had previously only engaged around concerns or complaints. Councillors welcomed the investment in local initiatives and supported the opportunity through their social media channels.
This positioned Thrive as an organisation investing in people, not just buildings — creating goodwill, building alliances and reinforcing trust at a crucial moment in the project.
Impact: A stronger, steadier project with the local community at the core
Our work delivered tangible improvements across the project:
High stakeholder engagement and strong attendance at events
Clear understanding of timelines, expectations and support
Reduced misinformation, enabling smoother decision‑making
Positive relationships created and maintained with councillors, media and community groups.
ByBrick helped transform a challenging start into a more confident, coordinated and trusted regeneration journey.
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