We think
around corners.
Background
Background
Following the scheme’s deferral at Birmingham City Council planning committee in February 2023, Cavendish were brought onboard by Birmingham-based developer, Woodbourne Group, to provide strategic political advice and support the scheme towards a positive committee determination.
Curzon Wharf is a £360m regeneration scheme in Eastside Birmingham, transforming a dilapidated site into a dynamic, worldclass and sustainable mixed-use ecosystem of commercial, retail and living, along with vast new public spaces.
Curzon Wharf is the world’s first mixed-use Net Zero Carbon Ready development, setting the standard for how our built environment can be part of the country’s and the city’s Net Zero ambitions.
Curzon Wharf would deliver a landmark development at crucial gateway into the City Centre, with its combination of four closely linked buildings, at varying heights, creating a distinct and visually striking entrance to the city.
Significant improvements to public realm will link the development to the canals at Aston Junction, with its vibrant, active ground floor units injecting life into the forgotten waterways.
Strategy
Strategy
The scheme had been deferred after members outlined frustration surrounding the provision of affordable housing, and whether the mix of units was appropriate for the needs of the city.
Cavendish firstly set out to gather insight from local political contacts to understand whether there were other, less obvious reasons, for councillors not being able to support the scheme. Once BECG understood the wider political issues, we provided new recommendations for Key Political Messaging. The use of which allowed us to better align the scheme with the key political priorities of Birmingham’s Labour group.
Through conversations with members, as well as a Cavendish Committee Brief, we were able to effectively communicate the more holistic benefits of the scheme in a way that voting members could understand and get behind.
Woodbourne Group saw success at Birmingham City Council planning committee the second time round. With Cavendish being able to support the scheme to gaining a unanimous positive decision from members of the committee.
