40 Leadenhall creates a smart occupant-first experience
40 Leadenhall is one of London’s biggest new developments. Learn how adopting the latest technology has allowed them to create a fully digital, occupant-first experience across 900,000 square feet of commercial, retail, and office space.
Key outcomes
- A flexible, open security platform allows 40 Leadenhall to deliver an occupant-first smart building experience using cutting-edge technologies
- Automated workflows and real-time alerts help security personnel initiate proactive responses and keep operations running smoothly
- An intuitive platform with role-based permissions ensures various users can easily manage security and operational tasks
- The 40 Leadenhall app enhances occupant engagement while streamlining visitor access and amenity use
The company
40 Leadenhall is one of the biggest developments in the city of London to receive planning permission. Located in the capital’s insurance district, it spans over 900,000 square feet and offers exceptional commercial office space, amenities, and retail space for up to 10,000 occupants.
The challenge
As 40 Leadenhall’s security and operational requirements evolve, what won’t change is the team’s commitment to delivering a uniquely designed space that prioritizes occupant well-being. That’s why a unified security platform was part of the original performance specification for their physical security system. They wanted a flexible platform that could continuously adapt to meet the needs of the development’s operators and occupants.
Why 40 Leadenhall chose Genetec
At 40 Leadenhall, key solution criteria included being able to choose best-of-breed hardware and software; having powerful tools to enable more effective and informed decisions; and being able to customize the interface and access privileges for various users. The team also wanted a proven platform that security-conscious occupants could rely on when it mattered most. With all this in mind, Genetec™ Security Center became the obvious choice.
A smart building solution
Alongside Security Center, each component was carefully chosen to help authorized visitors and occupants seamlessly navigate the facility, without compromising security and privacy. For example, the HID readers accept Apple and Google Wallet credentials generated from the building app, allowing occupants to access the building with just their phones. Meanwhile, the STid readers enable visitors to scan an issued QR code at the entry gates for a more environmentally friendly and friction-free experience that eliminates temporary-use plastic key cards.
Automated response protocols
40 Leadenhall adopted Genetec Mission Control™, an advanced decision-support system, to standardize incident response and automate routine operational workflows. Alerts trigger pre-defined workflows, enabling operators to initiate proactive responses. For instance, building management systems can detect events such as power loss or water leaks. Mission Control will then automatically notify relevant teams and prompt tailored response protocols for operators to follow. Similarly, when it detects high winds, the system can instantly warn occupants about terrace closures or other temporary restrictions, ensuring both safety and seamless communication.
Easy system management
Genetec workstations are placed around the building, and each user is allocated privileges according to their role and responsibilities. For example, a receptionist might be given the right to enrol new visitors. Meanwhile, on-duty security personnel working from the dedicated control room can run reports, pull up specific camera feeds, and receive all incoming alarms. Personnel can do all of this on a dedicated workstation or tablet. Interactive floor plans allow staff to quickly find devices, view live video, or investigate door activity by simply clicking icons on a map. This dramatically reduces training time for new users.
Digital occupant experience
The 40 Leadenhall app, powered by VTS Activate, also connects with the Genetec platform to create a cohesive digital experience for occupants. Occupants can assign virtual visitor passes and receive notifications when their visitors arrive. The passes automatically provide visitors with access through the speed gates, to the correct bank of lifts, and onto the correct floor. Occupants can also access building amenities such as the Peloton studio, cycle parking, and wellness facilities.
“The Genetec security system is easy to use and enables us to deliver world-class service to our occupiers and guests, ensuring occupant well-being and building security. Collaboration between delivery, systems, and service partner teams has helped make 40 Leadenhall a truly smart building.”
Stewart Maynard, Senior Smart Systems Manager, 40 Leadenhall
Results
Today, the smart building solution deployed in 40 Leadenhall incorporates over 200 cameras, 250 doors, and 2,600 data points. All of this is managed within the Genetec Security Center platform and hosted on the company’s Streamvault™ security infrastructure appliances. The entire deployment is also backed up by the Genetec Advantage program, ensuring 40 Leadenhall always has the latest software version and benefits from newly added features. The development team also added Axis Communications cameras, and HID Global, Mercury Security, and STid access control hardware.
“After a thorough evaluation of technology providers, we were delighted to be involved in such a high-profile project,” said Adam Champy, Chief Product Officer at VTS. “The vision from M&G and Nuveen, combined with the smart building expertise and experience of JLL and Arcadis, has been a great foundation to deliver our most advanced occupier experience app deployment to date. This truly digital-first project offers an incredibly exciting environment for 40 Leadenhall occupiers to focus on their work and well-being, with seamless technology functioning in both the foreground and background.”