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On June 14, 2023, Warsaw Stock Exchange hosted a group of experts, practitioners and enthusiasts of public-private partnership ventures and created a space for an objective and open dialogue - not only about the benefits, but also about the challenges of that approach. Since 2008, 176 PPP contracts with a total value of PLN 8,902,497,889.56 were signed in Poland, but this area is still developing too slowly, experts say. That is why during PPP Leaders’ Forum participants were allowed to establish real contacts, a networking space was created in which dialogue on potential cooperation and the possibility of implementing investment projects in the PPP model could be undertaken by everyone, and eminent panellists provided access to the latest knowledge.

During a discussion panel devoted to the attractiveness of investments from the perspective of a private partner which opened the Conference, Mr. Przemysław Szulfer, Director of Finance, Treasury and Administration at Warbud SA, explained what projects are interesting to Warbud and carry real chances for a successful finalization, and which will fail at the very beginning of the tender phase and not attract attention of the Private Partner.

‘What conditions must a project meet to attract our attention? This question is not that difficult at all,’ he said. ‘First of all, we treat the PPP formula as the most effective way to implement public infrastructure projects. I emphasize - implementation, not financing. From the very first day of negotiations, our public partner should primarily see the operational benefits of cooperation with us. Therefore, we respond positively only to those tenders in which we can bring added value from the perspective of designing, implementation, technology and operation of public facilities. If we have the necessary experience, resources, technical competence and specific optimization ideas, then we are much more competitive and our solutions will translate into high quality infrastructure in the long term.’

The Warbud representative was accompanied in the discussion by Piotr Grzymowicz - Mayor of the City of Olsztyn, Aknur Jumatova from IFC, Maciej Kopański - Investment Director at the BaltCap fund and Marek Król - Partner at Kochański & Partners law firm. The panel was led by Tomasz Korczyński, head of the PPP and Infrastructure practice at Dentons.

Aquapark project team wins PPP Award

On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the PPP Act in Poland, one of the points on the event’s agenda was the award of the title of European PPP Leader for the construction of the Aquapark in Płock. The award was received by Mariusz Ruszowski, Deputy Director of Warbud SA’s Public Procurement Branch. Mayor of the City of Płock, Andrzej Nowakowski, was represented by Artur Zieliński, Deputy Mayor.

Mariusz Ruszowski stated that ‘We signed the contract for the construction of a technically demanding facility. The financing mechanism in 2021 was also quite complex. The Aquapark in Płock is being built in the "design, build, manage and finance" formula, which means that Warbud, acting as the general contractor, within 33 months scheduled the project, designed and is now building a new Aquapark with an area of approx. 10,000 sqm., and after completion of the construction work, for the next 20 years, technical maintenance services for the facility will be provided by VINCI Facilities Polska. We are very pleased with this award,’ underlines Mariusz Ruszowski.

‘This is a beautiful culmination of the work of the entire construction team in Płock, whom I would like to thank for their commitment, valuable comments during construction and the time devoted to this project,’ he added. ‘This is a confirmation not only of engineering competence and operational efficiency, but also of the accuracy of the chosen direction of work. Undoubtedly, the Aquapark in Płock is an example of the effectiveness of the PPP model, and at the same time another step on the way to the evolution of that formula in Poland. I think that the possibility of optimal modelling and construction of the facility in line with the concept of sustainable energy respecting the interests of both parties is of great importance here.’

More about the facility

The two-storey building, functionally divided into a water recreation zone, a service and commercial zone, technical facilities and an administrative part, is located on the north-western outskirts of the city centre. A 24-meter-high tower dominates the 72 x 74.5 m rectangular shape built on the plan of a square. The space of the swimming pool hall is distinguished by a sloping roof and a large amount of glazing in the façade. In swimming pool zone on the ground floor there will be a six-track sports pool (25m x 16m), a recreational pool with an irregular shape with water attractions (with water table area of 600 sqm), as well as a four-track pool for learners (10m x 15m), a paddling pool for children with water attractions, a beach playground and a hot tub in the swimming pool part, as well as 3 additional bathtubs in the saunas. An element which will add an extraordinary atmosphere to this zone will be impressive aquarium situated between the sauna area and the swimming pool area.

Inside the building there will be swimming pools with stainless steel basins with an area of 1 200 m² with an exceptionally attractive SPA zone with a sauna complex and water playgrounds inside and outside the building. The set of slides will include among others a 150-metre multimedia tubular slide (with light and sound) and an “Aqualoop” slide with a trap door for extreme descents. The sauna and relaxation zone will cover an area of over 500 m². The facility will also include a sports swimming pool auditorium which can accommodate 100 people, and a service and commercial zone with an area of over 1,000 m² with a shop with swimming pool products, bicycle repair shop, food court astronomy and premises intended for sports and recreation. The facility will be adapted to the needs the disabled.