Synopsis:
Camden Town Unlimited (CTU) is a Business Improvement District representing companies based in the creative economic cluster and world famous markets located on Camden’s iconic high street. The proposal for a surface link between HS2 and the existing Eurostar line to the continent would cut through the heart of Camden Town, devastating the local economy with years of disruption and blight. CTU spearheaded a campaign that resulted in the Government deciding to think again and drop the link. With robust messaging, collaborative working, thorough economic analysis, sustained external engagement, and a solutions-based integrated campaign, the organisation stood up to the Government and HS2 to ditch the link.
Objective:
As the voice of local businesses, CTU embarked on a campaign aimed at securing the removal of the measure to link the two high speed routes from the High Speed Rail Bill that is progressing through the House of Commons. CTU enlisted Insight to ensure the removal of the measure from the High Speed Rail Bill.
Strategy:
From the outset, CTU positioned itself as a critical friend of the Government and the agencies involved with the roll out of HS2. Taking a constructive approach, CTU advocated a sustainable and less disruptive alternative in the form of a tunnelled link. This allowed the organisation to distance itself from groups that were in full opposition to the High Speed 2 project and operate as the public and rational voice of businesses located in the area.
This campaign consisted of:
Generating a local and mainstream support base:
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CTU maintained a highly visible media profile at a time of sustained public interest in the high speed rail debate
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The organisation’s Chief Executive Simon Pitkeathley appealed to business owners, residents and visitors of Camden Town with articles in the mainstream and London press as well as appearances on TV news platforms.
Shaping the debate in Westminster & Whitehall:
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CTU engaged directly with Parliamentarians between key votes on the High Speed Rail Bill in the Parliament. As a result, the organisation’s key messages were voiced by MPs in important debates
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The support of key political groups such as the Shadow Frontbench and Camden Labour Party was mobilised. Walking tours of Camden Town were also arranged for the Shadow Transport Team
Devising an alternative:
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Thorough economic analysis was undertaken and subsequently presented to Government stakeholders in DfT, HS2 Ltd and HM Treasury
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Coalitions of support were established by proactive engagement with business organisations with a vested interest in the link, located in cities to the North and in the Midlands
Method:
The measure to link the high speed routes was included in the Government’s hybrid bill. Campaign activities therefore intensified between the first and second reading in the Commons with four phases.
1. Developing an alternative
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A campaign ethos of ‘do it right or don’t do it at all’ • Positioning CTU as a constructive critic of the link
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Two economic reports were commissioned
2. Communicating CTU’s position
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Significant coverage secured across print, broadcast and online media
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Key decision-makers and opinion-formers were briefed
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Opposition was limited by introducing organisations in favour of the link to the tunnelled option
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Economic reports presented to the DfT, HS2 Ltd, TfL and Treasury
3. Generating popular support
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Media coverage continued with the second economic study
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Camden Town Brewery agreed to commission a ‘SAVE CAMDEN BEER’ • Local businesses were mobilised
4. Shaping policy
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MPs agreed to table suggested PQs and contributed to Select Committee hearings
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CTU took Labour MPs, including a Shadow Transport Minister, on a tour of Camden
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Alliances were formed with key stakeholders along the route
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Engagement with London media continued with regular briefings
Outcome
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The Government publicly recognised the impact the link would have on the ‘community in Camden’ and removed the clause.
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Safeguarding was removed.
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HS2 Ltd and Network Rail have committed to undertake a study into the longer-term alternatives for high speed connectivity. CTU is actively engaging on options.
