Construction Communications: Building Strong Relationships in the Community‍

If you’re a property developer about to start on-site with your main contractor - or from the construction company yourself - you’ll know that engaging with the local community is a crucial part of the process.

No major development comes forward without at least some local engagement, whether it be with nearby neighbours, elected representatives or otherwise.

This blog explores the challenges you might face, the people you need to connect with, and the best ways to keep communications open and effective throughout your project.

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‍Why Community Engagement Matters

Engaging with the community isn't just about managing complaints; it's about building relationships that foster goodwill and reduce friction.

Imagine moving into a neighbourhood without introducing yourself to the neighbours.  

Construction projects work the same way - you need to be a good neighbour to the people living and working nearby.

Then there’s the long-term legacy of your brand to consider, especially if you’re hoping to attract local people as customers after the development is complete.

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Asking the Right Questions

Are your neighbours angry NIMBYs? Is your development creating lots of jobs and everyone wants one? Who are your local councillors? Who else do you need to speak to and when?

How do you balance responsive, reactive communications like complaints handling with proactive updates and milestone celebrations?

…and just how important is it to be a good neighbour during construction?

Asking the right questions will allow you to plan accordingly across the entire spectrum of complex construction communications.

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Common Challenges on Construction Sites

Every site comes with its unique set of challenges and anticipating them can make a big difference. Here are some scenarios to consider:

• Residential Developments: If your project faced opposition during the planning stage, neighbours will still be wary. Proactively sharing how you’re mitigating issues like traffic or noise can help build trust.

• Retail Projects: The above applies here too, but you may also have local excitement about the new shops and job opportunities, which can also lead to a steady flow of questions - When is the opening? What will be on offer? How do people apply for jobs? Having a process and clear, accessible answers will keep things running smoothly.

Regardless of the project, you can of course expect concerns about dust, noise, vibrations, or road closures. Transparent communication about these disruptions and how you’re addressing them can turn potential complaints into community cooperation.

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Who Do You Need to Communicate With and Why?

Your audience almost always starts with your site neighbours, but it extends much further than that of course. Have you considered the broader community, many of which may be your future customers or employees? What political representatives are there, and what power do they have?

Expectations will have also been made clear as part of your planning consent and the Conditions set by the Local Authority.

An audit of your community, from neighbours to stakeholders, is a great way to start. Then you can consider the benefits of engaging with each.

• Site neighbours

• Community in general

• Local councillors and politicians

• Local interest groups and stakeholders

• Local media

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Effective Tools and Methods for Construction Communication

Good communication isn’t just about what you say; it’s about how you say it and through which channels. Here are some tools and methods that can help:

• Community Newsletters and Mailers: Keep locals informed about progress, upcoming milestones, or potential disruptions.

• Dedicated Information Lines and Complaint Handling: A clear, accessible way for people to voice concerns shows that you’re listening.

• Public Meetings and Events: Hosting open houses or site tours fosters transparency and trust.

• Social Media and Project Websites: Regular updates on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or a dedicated project website can reach a broad audience quickly.

• On-Site Signage and Hoardings: Clear, professional signage around the site helps communicate important information to passers-by.

• Press Releases and Media Relations: Sharing positive stories through local media can shape public perception in your favour

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Be a Good Neighbour from Day One

Community engagement during construction isn’t just about managing the current project, it’s about building a positive legacy that will also serve you well with your post-construction operations and your future developments. By prioritising clear, respectful communication, you’ll not only reduce the risk of conflicts but also create lasting relationships within the community, including with the local authority you may be seeking further planning consents from in the near future.

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Remember, your reputation is only as good as your last project. Treating every development as an opportunity to engage positively with the community will pay off in the long run. Good communication is the foundation of successful construction projects. Taking the time to engage with the community, listen to concerns, and share progress can turn potential obstacles into opportunities for connection and collaboration.