What do we do?
Our role is to ensure that the council's property (land and buildings) is used as efficiently and effectively as possible, balancing the best financial return with supporting council service delivery and providing the best possible outcomes for the people of Warrington.
Specifically we:
- buy and sell property
- value property
- make property development and regeneration happen in the town
- arrange for occupation of other people's property and for others to occupy our property (leasehold)
- manage investment property to get the best financial return for the council - currently over £6 million each year
- undertake the council's corporate property review and asset management
- seek to maximise the financial and business opportunities of property assets
- generate money through sale of surplus property
- ensure that the council has the right property to operate from
- maintain property records of council ownership, occupation and use
- orovide general property advice to council services
- provide and manage a facility that employs 600 local people, supports over 130 local businesses and is a valued community asset – Warrington market. Providing an environment for local business to develop and grow and for local people to access goods and services.
Why does the council hold property as an asset?
Property is the council's second most valuable resource. The council has numerous and varied property assets, ranging from the town hall and Walton Hall estate to allotments and general green space.
All property assets are held for specific reasons:
- to deliver council services – for example a library
- to provide community benefit – for example property occupied by community groups
- to provide a financial return as an investment – for example a council shop unit
- to provide economic development opportunity – for example an industrial unit
Some property assets are held for more than one purpose. All property assets ultimately support the council in our aims and ambitions.
These assets require professional management and in depth planning. Our asset management plan describes our approach to managing our property assets.
Asset_Management_Plan_2009.doc