Anthony Pearce
Built environment communications expert with a focus on sustainability and place-based storytelling
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Built environment communications expert with a focus on sustainability and place-based storytelling
About
Services
Contact
Illford Arrival
The Ilford Arrival rethinks community engagement by placing local voices — particularly those from historically marginalised groups — at the heart of development. Commissioned by Redbridge Council and the Greater London Authority as part of the Civic Partnership Programme, the project empowers girls and young women aged 16–25 to act as ‘co-clients’, holding real influence over the future of the town.
Periscope leads on unlocking access to nature and public space in Ilford — including a new bridge, riverside walk and the rewilding of a golf course — with Diverse Dialogues leading the community involvement process. Clear, compelling communications were needed to convey the project’s approach, ambitions and social value.
The what
I supported Periscope with messaging, press and social media activity for the launch of the Ilford Arrival. This included shaping the story, preparing materials and helping position the project’s innovative ‘co-client’ model for media and public audiences.
The impact
The story received coverage on the BBC, in the Evening Standard, Time Out and other outlets, helping raise awareness of the project’s community-led approach. It also became Periscope’s second best-performing social media post of 2025.
Year: 2025
Services: Editing; writing; built environment communications; press & PR; social media; messaging
“At a time of housing pressure, it’s crucial that local people are empowered to shape their own neighbourhoods. Too often regeneration is something that is done to communities, rather than with them. This approach gives them real agency.”
— Daniel Rea, Periscope