Watch: Multiplex Completes Landmark One Leadenhall Project in London’s Historic Centre
London, United Kingdom. Multiplex has announced the successful completion of One Leadenhall, a landmark commercial development situated immediately adjacent to the iconic Grade II* listed Leadenhall Market.
Designed by MAKE Architects, the 35-storey tower is the latest Brookfield Properties' development to grace London’s ever-evolving Eastern Cluster. Proudly nodding to its historic context, with a Portland stone-clad base that complements the surrounding 19th-century masonry, the tower rises to 165 metres, cutting a strikingly modern silhouette against the London skyline in a bold, contemporary fusion of glass and steel.
Ken Shuttleworth, Founder of MAKE Architects said “Leadenhall Market is a fantastic place, steeped in history. We kept that history in mind when designing the building” - Ken Shuttleworth, Founder of MAKE Architects.
The tower offers approximately 430,000 square feet of office space and 8,000 square feet of retail space. It has over 700 bicycle spaces and lockers, electric charging points for vehicles and four stations within a 5-minute walk with easy access to underground and national rail services. A publicly accessible terrace boasts spectacular views of the market below as well as the surrounding cityscape, of which there are panoramic views from every level. A new pedestrian route enhances connectivity between Leadenhall Market and Gracechurch Street, firmly rooting the building in its dynamic urban context.
Andrew Feighery, Project Director at Multiplex said “We are immensely proud to have delivered One Leadenhall for Brookfield Properties. The building is timeless and fits into the character of the city… Multiplex have worked in this neighbourhood now for a significant amount of time. You could almost call it the Multiplex Mile, from Principal Place down to Leadenhall.”
Located in such a densely populated pocket of London, delivering One Leadenhall involved some unique logistical and engineering challenges. The site is bordered by busy roads, heritage assets, and over 100,000 pedestrians pass by daily, meaning that some serious logistical feats were required - such as fitting cranes within the building’s lift cores.
Peter Clarke, Vice President of Development, Brookfield Properties, said “The logistical gymnastics associated with delivering this project were next level, and collaboration was key to overcoming challenges.”
The demolition of the original seven-storey building and construction of the new tower also required meticulous planning and precision to execute. Temporary works were installed to protect Leadenhall Market’s intricate structure and allow for continued access to the market throughout the construction period.
Multiplex’s commitment to social value led the approach at One Leadenhall. Over the course of the development, they provided 50 new entrant jobs, 34 apprenticeships, and hosted 67 placements, including 28 for neurodiverse individuals. A memorable charity event was the abseil from level 32 to level 4 which raised over £29,500 for local charities.
Amy Dawson, Social Value and Community Lead, said “It’s not just about what we’re leaving behind. It’s about how we build whilst we’re there, engaging with the community and making them feel involved throughout.”
Committed to investing in the next generation, the company’s Graduate Scheme has also provided opportunities for its young leaders.
“I started off as a graduate on One Leadenhall, and I have since been promoted to Site Engineer. I relished the opportunity, and I have felt supported in my role every step of the way. It has shaped who I am today,” said Jabril Mohamed, Package Manager and former Graduate.