CASE STUDY
Hartwell Plc was bringing forward a £100 million regeneration plan for a former ironworks, to create a landmark mixed-use destination designed for creativity, education, and innovation, in Digbeth, Birmingham. PLMR was appointed to deliver a programme of political engagement and public consultation ahead of the submission of a planning application.
We carried out political, media, and community engagement, focusing messaging on how the proposals fit into Birmingham City Council’s vision for Digbeth as a vibrant creative quarter. Our comms also emphasised the potential creation of significant numbers of jobs and homes, as well as how the scheme would support social and economic growth in the area.
As part of our public consultation period, we held an in-person drop-in event at a unit on the development site, where we had exhibition boards displaying details of the proposals, and members of the project team ready to answer questions.
The planning application was approved by Birmingham City Council in November 2025, and will deliver a new gateway to Digbeth with 260,000 sq ft of media and educational space, 240 homes, retail, public realm, commercial space, and high-quality landscaping.
PLMR’s crisis communications experience is second to none, and includes pre-emptive and reactive work across traditional and social media channels. We work with a range of organisations to offer critical communication support when they are faced with difficult and challenging scenarios.
