London Borough of Camden's principal mechanism for optimising asset use is a fundamental review of the entire non-housing estate. This includes privately owned but connected property and the review is conducted by geographical area. It will cover the entire borough over a five year period. The review is possible because of the harmonious relationships the Council has engendered with all key partners - public, voluntary/third or private sector. From this platform, a shared understanding and focus on better use of collectively held assets is leading to better accommodation and services for the public.
The review assesses the following:
- whether all assets are required
- whether all assets are fit for purpose
- whether assets provide Value for Money (VfM) to meet current and future needs
- opportunities for partnership working with the NHS and police and other bodies
- opportunities for more efficient use of assets and sites for disposal. This includes options appraisals and consultation with stakeholders
The Council has developed major rationalisation projects from the reviews completed to date. These represent fundamental overhauls of the ways in which public services are provided, funded by surplus property disposals. For example in Gospel Oak, a deprived area, the project will transform a complex of multi-owned operational buildings. These will become a community campus combining Council offices, a range of community facilities and PCT services. A similar project is being planned for the Kentish Town area.
The reviews represent Council-led collaborative action to regenerate the provision of services in deprived areas. Funds have been generated to totally revitalise service provision in each area. Assets that are expensive to maintain and not fit for purpose have been identified for sale, and community hubs planned from the receipts. The outcome will be cheaper, more attractive and energy efficient buildings from which a suite of local services from different public or voluntary providers will be available.
The review programme is built on the Council's long-standing relationships with the NHS, police and voluntary and third sectors. These have fostered collaborative working on all assets designed to improve the outcomes for users.