Supporting Helmsley Group in communicating the benefits of Coney Street Riverside
Client
Services
- Stakeholder communication and engagement
- PR
- Media relations
- Property and Construction PR
Sectors
- Property & Construction
Long-standing client Helmsley Group put forward ambitious proposals to revitalise the historic Coney Street area of York into 250,000 sq ft of mixed-used retail, leisure, commercial and residential space.
Working as an extension of Helmsley’s project team, we led on communications consultancy over a two year period ahead of a planning decision. This included strategy, brand marketing (alongside DS Emotion), stakeholder communications and engagement, media relations, social media content and management, and website copywriting and SEO.
Our approach highlighted the ‘once in a generation’ opportunity and future benefits the scheme would deliver, including a riverside walkway alongside nationally significant green and accessible public realm, and the creation and rejuvenation of historic lanes and passageways to connect Coney Street and the River Ouse. The Coney Street Riverside masterplan was approved with an overwhelming majority by City of York Council planning officers. Construction work is set to begin in early 2026.
Results
- Masterplan
- overwhelmingly approved
- Stakeholder
- engagement approach, particularly around inclusive design, described as “a breath of fresh air”
-
0 - of consultation responses said scheme would be positive addition to York
-
0 - pieces of positive media coverage in influential media
- Dedicated
- LinkedIn profile grown to 1,000+ followers
Key Insight:
In a city rich with historical and planning sensitivities, we recognised the need to identify and engage early with traditionally challenging stakeholders through proactive and regular 1-2-1 communications. This transparent approach built trust, enabling us to turn potentially negative commentators into supportive spokespeople.
Max Reeves“Aberfield’s strategic approach, thinking and understanding of complex media and stakeholder landscapes has been outstanding. The team has been a true partner over a long period of time, and we are indebted to them for their support in helping us gain approval for our major plans.”
Development Director, Helmsley Group
