URW regularly holds local communities’ consultation on its Community Resilience Action Plans implemented at asset level as well as meetings such as Safety Advisory Group meetings, annual transport plans and accessibility meetings.

For development projects, from the early phases of planning to the final stages of delivery, URW ensures that local communities are not just considered, but actively consulted. This approach allows URW to understand the unique needs and aspirations of the community, ensuring that each project is tailored to its context.

In 2023, URW managed to achieve the following key actions:

• A large majority of assets supported at least 1 local charity or NGO-sponsored long-term project;
• 787 social or environmental initiatives were organised in the Group’s centres through the provision of spaces, collection of materials or donations, and educational events;
• The Group donated c. €13 M in 2023 and supported approximately 600 charities and NGOs on topics such as employment and skills, social inclusion and environment;
• The “URW for jobs” initiative organised in more than half of shopping centres across Continental Europe, the UK and the US led to more than 2,600 jobs and qualifying certifications provided through the programme and more than 6,000 training hours provided; and
• The launch of the Group Volunteering Programme (see section 3.2.3.A.3.4 Inspiring our people by opening their mind to sustainability while caring).

Examples of existing community resilience projects:

• Westfield Stratford City organised an impact test for the young people of Newham aimed at building relationships and preventing youth disenfranchisement. The event took place on October 26, 2023, and welcomed over 100 participants and spectators. Metropolitan Police, Elite Cycling, Transport for London, and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London Borough of Newham Youth Engagement team, and URW employees were among the stakeholders of the event.
• Centrum Cerny Most, in cooperation with Kokozá, an organisation specialising in composting, built a community garden around the shopping centre. It aims to promote social communities, green economies and a healthy lifestyle, as well as educate about ecology and wildlife. 32 raised beds were made available for the shopping centre’s neighbours to grow vegetables, small fruits, plants and herbs. Furthermore, the garden is open to local schools and pre-schools for educational projects. In addition, regular workshops focused on eco-sustainability are being organised along with individual gatherings and initiatives. The project, whose aim is to strengthen relationships within the community and raise awareness of the importance of composting, is supported by the Municipality of Prague. The grand opening was held in September 2023.
• Tausch-Rausch store in Pasing Arcaden is an initiative aimed at strengthening the neighbourhood community and encouraging people to exchange things they no longer need instead of throwing them away. The sustainable store concept allows people to bring used clothes, toys or books to give them a second life and possibly find something for themselves, as well. To express the sustainable side of this project, for the interior design the colourful walls used for another initiative were recycled. The store met with approval from the community and was covered by the local newspapers.

As an operator of sustainable places that Reinvent Being Together, URW has an active role to play within communities in which it operates. The Group’s economic success is based on a strong relationship and regular consultations with its stakeholders: tenants, customers, investors, local communities, suppliers and contractors, as well as employees.

URW is deeply committed to integrating local communities into its operating model for both standing assets and development projects.

For standing assets, URW engages with a variety of local stakeholders via its Community Resilience Action Plans in its approach to generating positive social impact. Community resilience is a complex, multifaceted concept that involves preparedness against hazards, protection against risks, and the promotion of stable living conditions. URW’s Community Resilience Actions Plans are an integral part of the long-term social strategy designed at asset level to contribute to the long-term development of the community. These plans are integrated into the management of URW’s standing assets, ensuring that the interests of local communities are considered and prioritised. In terms of social impact, URW is committed to monitoring and improving its influence on a local scale. By measuring its social impact, URW strives to understand the aggregate impacts of its work and collaborate with local communities to achieve greater change. This process is crucial for URW to ensure that its operations are not only profitable but also beneficial to the communities in which it operates.

URW will strive to strengthen its existing policies and underlying mechanisms. These policies will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they remain effective and relevant. URW will strive to enhance its due diligence mechanisms with a focus on modern slavery and human rights aspects, as well as reinforce its “Know Your Partner” screening process to conduct thorough verification of new business partners and monitor current business partners. This will help in identifying and mitigating any potential risks.

URW will strive to strengthen its existing policies and underlying mechanisms. These policies will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they remain effective and relevant. URW will strive to enhance its due diligence mechanisms with a focus on modern slavery and human rights aspects, as well as reinforce its “Know Your Partner” screening process to conduct thorough verification of new business partners and monitor current business partners. This will help in identifying and mitigating any potential risks.

In 2023, URW managed to achieve the following key actions:

• A large majority of assets supported at least 1 local charity or NGO-sponsored long-term project;
• 787 social or environmental initiatives were organised in the Group’s centres through the provision of spaces, collection of materials or donations, and educational events;
• The Group donated c. €13 M in 2023 and supported approximately 600 charities and NGOs on topics such as employment and skills, social inclusion and environment;
• The “URW for jobs” initiative organised in more than half of shopping centres across Continental Europe, the UK and the US led to more than 2,600 jobs and qualifying certifications provided through the programme and more than 6,000 training hours provided; and
• The launch of the Group Volunteering Programme (see section 3.2.3.A.3.4 Inspiring our people by opening their mind to sustainability while caring).

Examples of existing community resilience projects:

• Westfield Stratford City organised an impact test for the young people of Newham aimed at building relationships and preventing youth disenfranchisement. The event took place on October 26, 2023, and welcomed over 100 participants and spectators. Metropolitan Police, Elite Cycling, Transport for London, and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London Borough of Newham Youth Engagement team, and URW employees were among the stakeholders of the event.
• Centrum Cerny Most, in cooperation with Kokozá, an organisation specialising in composting, built a community garden around the shopping centre. It aims to promote social communities, green economies and a healthy lifestyle, as well as educate about ecology and wildlife. 32 raised beds were made available for the shopping centre’s neighbours to grow vegetables, small fruits, plants and herbs. Furthermore, the garden is open to local schools and pre-schools for educational projects. In addition, regular workshops focused on eco-sustainability are being organised along with individual gatherings and initiatives. The project, whose aim is to strengthen relationships within the community and raise awareness of the importance of composting, is supported by the Municipality of Prague. The grand opening was held in September 2023.
• Tausch-Rausch store in Pasing Arcaden is an initiative aimed at strengthening the neighbourhood community and encouraging people to exchange things they no longer need instead of throwing them away. The sustainable store concept allows people to bring used clothes, toys or books to give them a second life and possibly find something for themselves, as well. To express the sustainable side of this project, for the interior design the colourful walls used for another initiative were recycled. The store met with approval from the community and was covered by the local newspapers.

Looking beyond 2023, the Group has made the commitment to support its role as a catalyst for economic and social impact with a target of 15,000 people supported annually through training, social inclusion and employment opportunities. The key actions related to it are:

• Continue implementing Community Resilience Action Plans for the Group’s assets: building on the 2020 achievement of having 100% of its owned managed assets with a Community Resilience Action Plan. Community Resilience Action Plans aim to enhance the resilience of communities in which the Group operates thanks to a structured “glocal” approach, ensuring the implementation of the most relevant strategies according to the needs of local areas;
• Monitor the economic, social and environmental impact of URW shopping centres through a dedicated impact assessment;
• Organise upskilling programmes and recruitment events (e.g. URW for Jobs) in URW assets; and
• Work with partners specialised in social inclusion and health programmes, including support for charities and NGOs.

In 2023, URW managed to achieve the following key actions:

• A large majority of assets supported at least 1 local charity or NGO-sponsored long-term project;
• 787 social or environmental initiatives were organised in the Group’s centres through the provision of spaces, collection of materials or donations, and educational events;
• The Group donated c. €13 M in 2023 and supported approximately 600 charities and NGOs on topics such as employment and skills, social inclusion and environment;
• The “URW for jobs” initiative organised in more than half of shopping centres across Continental Europe, the UK and the US led to more than 2,600 jobs and qualifying certifications provided through the programme and more than 6,000 training hours provided; and
• The launch of the Group Volunteering Programme (see section 3.2.3.A.3.4 Inspiring our people by opening their mind to sustainability while caring).

Examples of existing community resilience projects:

• Westfield Stratford City organised an impact test for the young people of Newham aimed at building relationships and preventing youth disenfranchisement. The event took place on October 26, 2023, and welcomed over 100 participants and spectators. Metropolitan Police, Elite Cycling, Transport for London, and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London Borough of Newham Youth Engagement team, and URW employees were among the stakeholders of the event.
• Centrum Cerny Most, in cooperation with Kokozá, an organisation specialising in composting, built a community garden around the shopping centre. It aims to promote social communities, green economies and a healthy lifestyle, as well as educate about ecology and wildlife. 32 raised beds were made available for the shopping centre’s neighbours to grow vegetables, small fruits, plants and herbs. Furthermore, the garden is open to local schools and pre-schools for educational projects. In addition, regular workshops focused on eco-sustainability are being organised along with individual gatherings and initiatives. The project, whose aim is to strengthen relationships within the community and raise awareness of the importance of composting, is supported by the Municipality of Prague. The grand opening was held in September 2023.
• Tausch-Rausch store in Pasing Arcaden is an initiative aimed at strengthening the neighbourhood community and encouraging people to exchange things they no longer need instead of throwing them away. The sustainable store concept allows people to bring used clothes, toys or books to give them a second life and possibly find something for themselves, as well. To express the sustainable side of this project, for the interior design the colourful walls used for another initiative were recycled. The store met with approval from the community and was covered by the local newspapers.

As an operator of sustainable places that Reinvent Being Together, URW has an active role to play within communities in which it operates. The Group’s economic success is based on a strong relationship and regular consultations with its stakeholders: tenants, customers, investors, local communities, suppliers and contractors, as well as employees.

URW is deeply committed to integrating local communities into its operating model for both standing assets and development projects.

For standing assets, URW engages with a variety of local stakeholders via its Community Resilience Action Plans in its approach to generating positive social impact. Community resilience is a complex, multifaceted concept that involves preparedness against hazards, protection against risks, and the promotion of stable living conditions. URW’s Community Resilience Actions Plans are an integral part of the long-term social strategy designed at asset level to contribute to the long-term development of the community. These plans are integrated into the management of URW’s standing assets, ensuring that the interests of local communities are considered and prioritised. In terms of social impact, URW is committed to monitoring and improving its influence on a local scale. By measuring its social impact, URW strives to understand the aggregate impacts of its work and collaborate with local communities to achieve greater change. This process is crucial for URW to ensure that its operations are not only profitable but also beneficial to the communities in which it operates.

URW will strive to strengthen its existing policies and underlying mechanisms. These policies will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they remain effective and relevant. URW will strive to enhance its due diligence mechanisms with a focus on modern slavery and human rights aspects, as well as reinforce its “Know Your Partner” screening process to conduct thorough verification of new business partners and monitor current business partners. This will help in identifying and mitigating any potential risks.