Putting the “Community” in Community Space
This community consultation study was done for a local council on how residents want to use a newly acquired building.
When a local council acquires a new property or space, a big question always looms – what should it be used for? The goal was to run a comprehensive community consultation process and let residents themselves determine its ideal usage and programming.
The Property
The site in question was a large, disused office building in the heart of a small-town centre. Situated along the river, it offered a prime location and three floors, with a mix of enclosed units and open interior space ready for repurposing. Initial ideas included – a recreational centre, co-working space, classrooms, business hub, and more. But without public input, there was a risk of missing what locals wanted and needed.
Our Community Consultation Approach
To ensure the site reflected the community’s vision, an intensive three-month consultation process was planned:
In-Person Workshops
We hosted multiple public workshops where residents engaged in activities, brainstorming sessions, and discussions around potential uses. All ideas were welcome!
Door-to-door and Online Surveys
Our team went door-knocking in areas across the town, surveying hundreds of households on their perspectives and priorities for the space. This also included a flyer to voice their opinion by contributing to the online survey.
Stakeholder Meetings
We met with local associations, businesses, youth groups, schools, and other local stakeholders to get their valued inputs.
Online Engagement
A website, social accounts, and digital discussion forums were set up to capture input from the broader public for those unable to attend in-person.
What Residents Said They Wanted
From all the quantitative and qualitative data compiled, some clear community needs and desires emerged:
Family-Friendly Amenities
There was high demand for an indoor recreation facility with spaces for toddler groups, children and after-school activities.
Flexible Event Spaces
Multi-use spaces that could host everything from conventions and weddings to art shows, craft making and co-working areas.
Community Engagement Hub
A central place for civic gatherings, voting, social enterprise, and a lounge-style café to bring people together around shared interests.
While no single concept fulfilled every want, the results clearly indicated a “civic hub” model combining recreation, events, and community space best aligned with resident priorities.
Delivering on the Feedback
After compiling all the data and community input, our team’s final recommendations incorporated the top desires including new names for the facility, and programme going forward.
By running a genuine community consultation, the council has a direct mandate from citizens on how to transform this site in a way that provides public use and benefit, potentially transforming it into a vibrant space activated by the people it is meant to serve.
This project highlights the immense value in deeply engaging the public before making decisions that impact entire communities. When residents have a voice, it results in better-utilised and more beloved civic assets and resources. It is an important stakeholder management approach we always aim to model as consultants.