"Highly Commended" award at the LGC Awards
03/04/2009
This successful scheme was delivered through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between the London Borough of Bexley and Boxwood Leisure Limited, the special purpose company set up and managed by Parkwood PFI Projects (now trading as Parkwood Consultancy Services). Boxwood won the PPP contract and with their partners, delivered the £30 million 3-centre capital leisure scheme, on time and to budget.
A key strength of the partnership is its `win-win` nature - embracing often competing public/private sector drivers. For example, the leisure operator is required to deliver sports programmes that support the Council`s target groups, but is simultaneously allowed to determine pricing, thus control profit, in the most lucrative element of the business - that of health and fitness. The success of this PPP initiative is clearly evident - with the centres experiencing a phenomenal increase in usage between 2005 and 2008. This scheme is recognised as a model of good practice by the Audit Commission.
PPPs are at the forefront of some of the most exciting developments in local government and this award is the showcase for these achievements. The LGC Awards aim to reward the very best in local government and recognise the excellent services delivered to the communities they serve.
During this year`s Awards, John Healey, Minister of State for Local Government, encouraged the crowd to recognise what they had achieved last year in the tough climate and to take the innovation forward in to 2010. Comedian Dara O’Briain hosted the evening and presented the awards.
Jeremy Lightfoot, Director of Boxwood and Managing Director of PCS said: "It was fantastic to receive the award and that all involved in this project have received this recognition. It is very good news and a reflection of the successful longstanding working partnership with Bexley Council."
To find out more about the project please click on the link below:
http://www.parkwoodconsultancyservices.co.uk/CaseStudy.aspx?casestudyid=11