Before “sustainability” was a word in every developer’s dictionary, Citu had a trailblazing vision for better, low-carbon homes. Their dream would be realised in Sheffield’s Kelham Island and Leeds’ Climate Innovation District. Our task was to generate excitement – and support – for a future that put people and planet first when it came to housing, and to establish Citu as the trusted team to bring that vision to life.
Wherever the conversation turned to sustainable development, we made sure Citu was a leading voice linked to green property solutions, even broadcasting the Channel 4 News from the Climate Innovation District rooftops. We forged connections with global partners like Heatherwick Studio’s Humanise Campaign and invited industry critics from the RIBA on private site visits. By developing strategic press coverage, we carved out the reputation for excellence and innovation that Citu deserved, both regionally and nationally.
By the time homeowners started moving in, The Telegraph was praising Citu for having flipped “the original notion of the suburb on its head”, while Architects Journal called the developer’s work “a green blueprint”. Today, Citu is recognised as one of the most exciting development companies in the UK. Their innovative properties provide low-carbon housing to hundreds of people and have been listed as top places to live by The Sunday Times several times.
Our work with Citu saw them grow from a small, Yorkshire company with an important vision, to earning a place at the global table.
“As a scaling-up business, we’ve been empowered by Animo PR. The team gets our vision, understanding our purpose and sharing our values, which means their work is an authentic amplification of our brand.
They are skilled listeners and strategic thinkers. We trust Anita and her team to bring confident, straightforward counsel and they have navigated some of the thornier challenges, preventing them from escalating into crises.
Animo PR has helped to make us known for something valuable to society.”