Mobilise provided the research that the council required to develop an understanding of the community’s concerns about the scheme, alongside potential changes to address them.
The Hendon Hub regeneration project is a partnership between Middlesex University and Barnet Council to integrate and enhance new academic and civic spaces along The Burroughs in Hendon and other nearby sites. The scheme includes creating additional teaching facilities, new student accommodation, and improvements to the public realm. Initial proposals also provided a new library, with the historic Hendon library designated to become part of the university facilities.
The Project
The council’s engagement on the Hendon Hub proposals was launched during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, limiting the outreach to a series of online sessions. Mobilise was appointed by Barnet Council to boost community engagement and outreach as restrictions eased, building on the feedback the council had already received. It was clear that the project required more in depth engagement to address both misconceptions about the scheme and community concerns.
Our Approach
We designed and hosted a programme of in-person consultation and co-design events with Hendon residents and stakeholders. This involved a series of drop-in events, co-design sessions on detailed plans for landscaping and car parking, one-to-one discussions, and a door knock exercise to ensure all residents were aware of the proposals and the opportunity to give feedback.
In 2022, the Hendon Hub planning applications were considered and approved. However, in response to the feedback from members of the public, the council later agreed to retain the historic Hendon Library within the listed library building and revise proposals for two of the related planning applications.
We were re-appointed in 2023 for the next phase of engagement and consultation, with a focus on gathering feedback about the types of facilities and uses residents would like to see the new spaces being provided. We also developed an online survey for the council’s consultation platform, worked alongside the council on a communications strategy and provided briefings to local stakeholders and community groups.
Impact
Mobilise provided the research that the council required to develop an understanding of the community’s concerns about the scheme, alongside potential changes to address them. This led to some amendments to the proposals. Mobilise provided the council with detailed insight about community views for the new facilities, supporting the Hendon Hub team to ensure that the new buildings met the public’s needs.