One Leadenhall: Community Impact Beyond the Build

About One Leadenhall

One Leadenhall reimagines the future workplace within one of London's most historically significant areas. Located adjacent to the iconic Leadenhall Market, the 35-storey tower forms part of the City's eastern cluster.

Designed by MAKE Architects, One Leadenhall provides 40,000m² of Grade A office space with panoramic views, alongside a public viewing gallery, terrace and ground-floor retail. The development also enhances pedestrian connectivity around the site and into Leadenhall Market, creating a more accessible and welcoming public realm.

Our Approach

Throughout the build, we prioritised socio-economic outcomes, reflecting the social dimension of ESG. Guided by our commitment to equity, inclusion and creating opportunities for all, we implemented a robust Social Value Framework built around four key pillars, which are explored in greater detail throughout this report.

Working collaboratively with our supply chain partners and key stakeholders, including the City of London, we maximised opportunities to deliver meaningful social value and were proud to contribute to a more resilient, healthy and sustainable community.

We also recognise the important role we play in supporting local communities and strengthening local economies. More than £110 million was spent with businesses in the local area, spanning SMEs and larger organisations alike. Supporting early careers and engaging with underrepresented groups remained a key focus throughout the project, helping to provide exposure to the built environment, break down barriers to entry and promote greater social inclusion across the industry.

Case Study Spotlight

Harris Boys’ Academy, 3-Week Underrepresented Group Work Experience Programme

In 2024, the project team partnered with Harris Boys’ Academy, Dulwich, to deliver a focused 3-week engagement programme for students from low socio-economic backgrounds who face challenges in traditional academic environments. The initiative aimed to provide meaningful exposure to the construction industry and inspire interest in alternative career pathways.

The programme ran weekly from mid-June to mid-July, with each session lasting 2 hours. Sessions were designed to be interactive, inclusive, and aligned with key disciplines within the built environment:

• Session 1: ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and Construction Logistics

• Session 2: Engineering and Commercial

• Session 3: Design and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing)

Each session began with a short introduction to the presenter’s role and its relevance to project delivery, followed by a practical activity tailored to the topic. Activities were designed to help students connect industry concepts with real world applications, while also developing teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Social value shaped One Leadenhall from the very start. We set out to ensure everybody within the local community could benefit from the project, with a shared drive to break down barriers and deliver meaningful and lasting impact. It's a legacy I and the team are truly proud of."

Explore more stories like this and learn how the project created lasting value in our report below.

Click here to view in full.