Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) has reported £23.8 million in social value generated across its UK destinations in 2024, as outlined in its latest Social Value Impact Reports (SVIRs), produced in partnership with Social Value Portal.
The reports, covering Westfield Stratford City, Westfield London, and Centrale & Whitgift in Croydon, highlight URW’s continued commitment to delivering measurable and lasting social impact within the communities surrounding its centres, aligning with the company’s global Better Places strategy – designed to unlock long-term value, support the environmental transition of urban areas and drive the sustainable transformation of the retail sector.
Westfield Stratford City recorded the highest year-on-year increase in social value across the UK portfolio, rising by £3.6 million to reach £12.5 million in 2024. Community investment more than doubled to £6.7 million, bolstered by initiatives such as The Felix Project, which redistributed 2.6 million meals and prevented 1,430 tonnes of CO₂e from going to waste across the UK. Westfield’s efforts were particularly concentrated in the London boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham and Newham. Other highlights include £13,000 in bursaries for Newham students through the Birkbeck Student Fund and the Newham Music Hub welcoming over 10,000 visitors. Volunteering hours rose by nearly 50%, reflecting deeper local community engagement.
Westfield London social value contribution increased from £9,802,951 in 2023 to £10,516,216 in 2024, a 7% increase year-on-year. Local employment rose by more than 10% in 2024, reflecting strong job growth in the area, with work opportunities increasing by 60%, and community investment nearly doubling. In White City, wildflower planting with Green the UK brought biodiversity and colour to urban space. Other key contributors include West London Retail Skills Hub which, since its launch, has engaged 126 employers, and WEST Youth Zone, which recorded 22,853 visits in its first year, offering affordable, high-impact programmes to over 2,400 young people.
In its first year of reporting, Centrale & Whitgift Shopping Centres in Croydon generated £813,241 in social value. Key milestones included the unveiling of the Elianne Andam Memorial Mural, created in partnership with local organisations, and the impactful ‘Cut It Out’ football match at Crystal Palace — both aimed at promoting youth safety and community cohesion. Looking ahead, the centre plans to expand its reporting scope in 2025 to capture social value generated through its supply chain.
Jacinta Rowsell, managing director, customer & retail operations, Northern Europe, URW, said: “The remarkable growth in social value across our UK centres highlights the transformative impact of sustained community investment, a core driver of our Better Places strategy. From job creation and youth engagement to environmental initiatives, these efforts reflect our commitment to fostering thriving, resilient communities. As we continue to expand our programmes, we remain dedicated to driving meaningful change that benefits both people and the planet.”
Guy Battle, CEO and founder, social value portal, says: “The latest Social Value Impact Reports for URW highlight the tangible difference that businesses can make when they embed social value into their operations. URW’s commitment to measurable impact sets a strong example for the industry, demonstrating how strategic investment in communities can drive long-term prosperity and sustainability. Notably, URW has this year introduced social value requirements in their main contracts, a step that will unlock new benefits for communities across their supply chain.”
