Involvement in the Community

The Group recognises that local initiatives are important in enhancing various aspects which serve to improve and promote central London, and supports a number of groups including the Westminster Property Association, Westminster City Council, Transport for London and the New West End Company in their work to address issues such as planning, transport and security.

In respect of the New West End Company, the Group has made voluntary contributions to match those of the Group’s tenants to support its activities to ensure London’s West End continues to be unsurpassed as a leading destination around the globe.

During the year to 31 March 2011, the Group has provided sponsorship for activities in the local communities surrounding its portfolio including:

• West End LIVE;
• Sound of the World at St Ethelburga's at Bishopsgate; and
• The Bermondsey street festival

Where possible, the Group has also allowed vacant space to be used by local artists for temporary exhibitions.

The Group has continued with its tradition of encouraging staff to be involved in, and supporting, charitable activities. In particular, the Group targets charities involved in health, the homeless and the community, and, where practicable, allows temporarily vacant buildings to be occupied, at no cost, by charities seeking premises. In partnership with Westminster Education Authority, through a Primary School Volunteer scheme, in the year ended 31 March 2011, 14% of the Group’s employees have participated for a sixth year in helping pupils at St. Vincent’s school in Marylebone to improve their reading.

One of the Group's 2012 targets is to encourage contractors and advisors on each development and refurbishment over 25,000sq ft to commit to a local training or education initiative.

Tenant Action Plans are produced for all developments and refurbishments to assess the potential impact of the works on our tenants and neighbours and ensure commensurate actions are taken. These Tenant Action Plans are reviewed during the course of the works and following completion to ensure they remain appropriate and to identify areas of best practice that can be incorporated for future projects.

Download our 2011/12 tenant sustainability objectives and targets

Download our 2011/12 tenant and social objectives and target

Download our 2011/12 community sustainability objectives and targets

Download our progress against our 2010/11 tenant objectives and targets

Download our 2010/11 tenant and social objectives and targets pdf

Download our progress against our 2009/10 tenant objectives and targets pdf