Bluewater cuts service charges in 14-month review

  Bluewater in Kent has cut its service charge budget for 2010 by 8.2% to £11.96 per sq ft.   Following a 14-month review, the shopping centre has reduced overall operating costs and streamlined its management, such as cleaning and security, according to frequency and the nature of work.   It has also implemented sustainability-led initiatives with cost benefits, including a 10% reduction in energy consumption, a renegotiation of its electricity contracts to enter into a two-year fixed price contract that offers “significant savings”, a climate charge levy exempt status and security enhancements.   Lend Lease has also announced the tender of facilities management at Bluewater and Touchwood in Solihull, West Midlands, which it hopes will achieve additional cost savings.   Andrew Parkinson, general manager at Bluewater, said: “There have been no knee jerk reactions and instead we have focused on long term initiatives.   “Looking over the last 14 months, we have used natural wastage, such as not replenishing people that have left.   “Rent, rates and service charges – it’s all about supporting retailers and the need to focus on the long term.”   annabel.dixon@estatesgazette.com