Case Study: Watford Leisure Centre Asset Management
The Centre for Asset Studies is proud to share this case study exploring how a successful public private partnership transformed public assets, benefitting residents.
Informed by interviews with Elected Mayor Peter Taylor and data provided by Watford Borough Council, in this case study, we argue that outcomes-focused contracts - whereby local government partners with external service providers - can deliver both value for the community whilst reducing cost. This is presented as an alternative to services which are completely council-run or completely private. Peter Taylor told us:
““We were clear about our goals for our leisure centres to benefit the whole community. While our contracts include provisions in case things go wrong – the way we get good value for our community is through our collaborative partnership and working together with Everyone Active””
Summary
Public-Private partnership models can increase asset value and minimise costs.
Commercial decision making should start with the end in mind: what gets contracted gets delivered.
Open and transparent partnerships build trust and allow identification of best practice.