Warwickshire Property Management (WPM), part of Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG), manages lettings and tenancy matters on behalf of Warwickshire County Council.

At the heart of WPM’s work is a strong commitment to ensuring that public assets are managed in a way that brings long-term value to local communities.

Mandeep Padan, Asset Manager, discusses how the team balances commercial property management with social impact and how her career journey has shaped her approach.

A community-focused approach to property

When people think about property management, they often focus on the technical aspects – leases, rent reviews, and contracts.

But at WPM, we’re just as focused on the social side. We want to make sure our assets benefit the communities they sit within, whether that’s through a thriving local café in a country park or a well-used community centre.

Each asset requires attention, a vision, and a plan – but most importantly, they need to serve the people they were intended for.

My portfolio includes a variety of spaces, from rural parks and open spaces to urban community hubs and flexible-use retail sites. Our team works closely with tenants and stakeholders to ensure these properties are not only financially sustainable but also support wellbeing, local enterprise and access to essential services.

I absolutely love the challenge of getting these businesses into new premises and then supporting them to make their dreams a reality. It has been incredibly rewarding seeing vacant or underused properties take on a new life.

We have the privilege at WPM of managing a diverse range of properties that are at the heart of the communities we serve.

As part of the Asset Management team, I am involved in a broad spectrum of property-related projects across Warwickshire, including licence agreements, lease renewals and the acquisition of new leases.

A significant aspect of my role focuses on ensuring that commercial activity delivers meaningful benefits to local communities, while also supporting long-term business sustainability within the region.

My recent work has centred around the management of public assets such as country parks, community centres, cafés, and flexible food and beverage concessions. These spaces play an essential role in the community life, and I’m committed to maximising their social and economic value through effective property management and strategic planning.

I began my career in the residential real estate sector, gaining a solid foundation in property consultancy within the agency settings. I later transitioned into the social housing sector, working with a not-for-profit organisation. This role enhanced my understanding of diverse property types and allowed me to contribute to positive social outcomes by supporting strategic housing initiatives and community development.

Subsequently, I moved into the commercial property sector within local government. Here, I have been able to integrate my prior experience across residential, social, and commercial property sectors, applying this knowledge to the management of public property portfolios and the delivery of long-term, community-focused asset strategies.

I’m now able to apply this experience to help the Council achieve its broader goals. Public property must work harder – not just financially, but socially. Our challenge is to find tenants who align with community needs, support them to grow, and ensure our spaces remain flexible and accessible.”

One area of recent focus has been the management of flexible food and drink licences, a growing part of the team’s remit. These small businesses, such as cafés, pop-ups and kiosks, play a huge role in place-making, they bring life and activity to spaces, support local jobs and contribute to a sense of community ownership.

 

Supporting Pit Stop Café in Pooley Country Park

Last year we supported Pit Stop Café, located within Pooley Country Park with a new lease. The café, which is a uniquely housed tearoom, has since expanded its menu, seen customer numbers grow and developed an excellent social media following.

It’s a brilliant example of how the right business, in the right place, can bring energy and vibrancy to a community space.

We are proud to support assets across all of Warwickshire’s country parks. These parks are such important spaces for wellbeing, recreation, and local enterprise. We’re working to introduce new businesses to enhance the visitor experience – whether that’s food trucks, coffee vans, or unique seasonal offerings.

We have already seen real growth in footfall, and by securing new tenancy agreements, we are giving these businesses long-term certainty while allowing the County to reinvest in other services.

Looking ahead

We’re always thinking long-term, what does this space need to be in five, 10 or 20 years? How can we make sure it still serves the community, even as that community changes?

Every asset has a story. Our job is to make sure that story continues to reflect the needs and aspirations of the people who live, work and spend time there.