Building strong relationships with local communities is essential for housebuilders as they gain trust and reputation in new areas. But how is this achieved? The answer lies in community PR campaigns.

Planning activities to create meaningful opportunities with local schools, community groups, and key stakeholders at housing developments offers a valuable opportunity to demonstrate a genuine commitment to fostering meaningful connections.

These engagements allow communities to see first-hand how housebuilders contribute to the growth of villages and towns as they create new homes. With tailored messages weaved into activities, they help support educational initiatives that enhance school curriculums and inspire future generations.

With the government pledging to deliver 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, collaborating with local communities in development areas has never been more important.

Client examples so far this year include:

  • Dandara Wales welcomed Carway School to its Golwg Gwendraeth development in Carway for multiple activities in line with Easter, VE Day and to help plant flowers on site.
  • David Wilson Homes (Southern Counties) partnered with local schools and clubs to create assets for its energy efficiency campaign which was put on display across its Sussex developments. Designing posters and watering cans enabled the local community to learn about the housebuilder’s energy efficient homes before having the chance to see the final display.
  • Barratt London tapped into history with a VE Day event, planting a tree and burying a time capsule with schools and stakeholders to memorialise how Barnet was affected during WWII.
  • Barratt North Thames partnered with conservation charity, Buglife, at its Kingsbrook development in Aylesbury to support outdoor learning for pupils at Kingsbrook View Primary Academy.
  • Barratt Kent celebrated the Battle of Britain as students at Royal Harbour Academy were invited down to its Spitfire Green development in Ramsgate to bury a time capsule.

Steps:

Step 1 – Plan what campaign would work for your client and why. Do they want to educate the community on construction, help teach the younger generation or partner with local businesses in the area?

Step 2 – Reach out to the relevant groups to gauge interest. Have a target audience in mind that aligns with who you are selling homes too.

Step 3 – Put the plan into action! Confirm dates and times with all parties. Create an agenda and make a start on the press release.

Step 4 – Preparation. Any equipment that needs purchasing before the event will need to be ordered ahead.

Step 5 – Post-campaign. Once the assets are ready to go – it’s time to secure coverage!

If your business needs support in creating successful community PR campaigns, please get in touch at  pr@building-relations.co.uk.