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Health and Wellbeing
Target
Make a measurable improvement to health and wellbeing
With particular emphasis on the health and wellbeing issues affecting the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea through Chelsea 2030, Cadogan focuses on creating healthy spaces and supporting community wellbeing.
The connection between the physical environment and health is well established. Air quality and access to green spaces is key to supporting a resilient and thriving community – both of which are addressed in our targets. Our development standards include the recommendations of Fitwel and WELL healthy building standards2, enabling us to target full certification in conjunction with occupiers.
In 2022, Cadogan created opportunities for over 2,500 people to take part in activities benefiting their health, from school and community use of the Duke of York Square running track with run clubs, yoga, and sports days, to cycle maintenance workshops and walking tours. We also expanded SMART London’s ability to provide mental health support through gardening – by using our greenhouses to grow seedlings to sell and food to use in their café, local vulnerable people have the opportunity to develop skills, build connections and enjoy light exercise in a nurturing environment.
Cadogan also supports a case worker at St Giles Trust, working on their SOS Programme targeted at reaching local young people at risk of or involved in criminal exploitation and serious youth violence. Of the 52 clients the Cadogan-sponsored case worker supported in 2022, all are at reduced risk of harm or participating in criminal behaviour, 45 people were supported into employment, training or mainstream education, and 40 people reported an improvement in their wellbeing through constructive activities. This transformational work is helping young people find positive alternatives to criminal activity and reintegrate into wider society – having a positive ripple effect on their families and communities.
Through the Cadogan Charity (a shareholder of the business and run by the Cadogan family), we support the London Playing Fields Foundation – chaired by The Hon. William Cadogan – which transforms lives through sport and physical activity by protecting and promoting London’s playing fields, running social inclusion projects and directly managing several grounds across the capital.
CASE STUDY Pavilion Road, Chelsea
In 2016, in response to community feedback after thorough local consultation, and despite planning policy which favoured residential accommodation, we created a "village high street" on Pavilion Road. Previously comprising service access, garages and a busy vehicle cut-through parallel to Sloane Street, the area had poor air quality and contributed little to the local community.
Following redevelopment comprising striking architecture, sensitive restoration, extensive planting, restaurants and a range of independent artisan food shops
(including a butcher, baker, cheesemonger, and fishmonger, among others) a new "village hub" was created, generating over 100 jobs. Pedestrianisation was granted by the Council in 2021 bringing much improved air quality and a social centre for the local community to congregate in –something that proved invaluable during COVID restrictions – and in 2022 attracted nearly 10 million visitors.
Maintaining a street of independent businesses that meet the community’s need creates long term social value; “[Provenance Butcher’s] Struan Robertson attributes the hight street’s success to his landlord’s careful stewardship” (Financial Times, 2 December 2022).
CASE STUDY Cadogan Hall
Cadogan transformed a disused place of worship into a world-class music venue in 2004, to safeguard a characterful building and celebrate Chelsea’s artistic and musical heritage. It is now one of London’s leading concert venues and home to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
2022 marked a triumphant year for live performances as the first undisrupted operating year following the pandemic. The remarkable turnout in both box office attendance and concerts staged matched 2019 levels, presenting over 250 live performances and attracting footfall exceeding 200,000 attendees.
An array of orchestras, artists, and ensembles from all corners of the globe were welcomed to Chelsea, highlighting the venue’s commitment to providing a diverse and inclusive space for performers and patrons alike.
The Hall successfully re-established its position as a cultural hub, offering a platform for artists and audiences to reconnect and celebrate the power of live performance. It remains dedicated to delivering a rich and varied program of live events, reinforcing London’s status as a thriving global centre for arts and culture.
“From community gardening projects to spreading happiness at Christmas, our friends and neighbours have joined hands with us to improve mental health across the Borough. There is no doubt that this community cares.” – Amelia