Project Flourish

Client: Ballymore

Borough: Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea

Date: 2021-present

Comm Comm UK is appointed by Ballymore in partnership with Sainsbury’s, to deliver the communication strategy for the Kensal Canalside Opportunity Area, also known as Project Flourish in Ladbroke Grove. The project launched in April 2021, consulting on plans to build 2,552 much-needed new homes, shops, workplaces, community spaces and a flagship new Sainsbury’s store.

We completed the first round of public consultation in July 2021, including an online digital survey Give My View, and the second round of public consultation in Autumn 2021. Design work and new plans have been developed over the past year, and the project relaunched in early 2023. There is a new website to share developments with the local residents, and Comm Comm has been conducting a series of community group meetings with local stakeholders to address their needs and concerns.

Kensal Canalside is the largest brownfield site in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) and has been identified by the Mayor of London as one of 48 Opportunity Areas within the London Plan 2021. It is an exciting project, bringing much needed investment to the area, but is sensitive due to its proximity to Grenfell Tower and has required specialist engagement with the local community. A third round of public consultation was held in May-June 2023 and planning is expected to be submitted this summer.