This section builds upon that handback work and discusses some key NZ opportunities that might arise in relation to handback, recognising that each project will be affected by its own individual circumstances.
Ongoing work by SFT working collaboratively with a number of public bodies and private sector partners is seeing both private and public sector stakeholders approach handback positively rather than viewing it as a challenge with private sector partners seeing it as an opportunity to help the route to net-zero, introduce ESG objectives and to make buildings and assets more fit for purpose in the 2020s and beyond.
This means that for contracting Authorities, Project Cos and facilities management providers alike, this presents an opportunity to shape the project and make it fit for the future.
It is recognised that Project Cos, facilities management and service providers should likewise view expiry as an opportunity and actively explore a number of options for post expiry life and in particular by considering ways in which they can assist NZ targets.
A collaborative relationship is often easier to establish and maintain where there is a desire to create or maintain a longer-lasting working relationship. Where PPP contracts are close to their expiry and handover process, opportunities for creating longer lasting working relationships may mean looking beyond specific Project Agreement requirements, while respecting any procurement requirements. This could involve considering opportunities for re-assessing FM service provision, configuration of facilities, (for instance, utilising the skills of the private sector partners to retrofit PPP buildings to meet the net zero/energy transition challenge).