Polish PPP pipeline to double in 2012

Projects are also increasing in size and value – shifting up from the tens of millions to the hundreds of millions in euros, said Pavel Pawlowski, investment director at the City of Warsaw, speaking in London this week.

Close to 100% of all the projects were at municipal level, he added, but Pawlowski threw cold water on recent election promises for leisure projects and aqua-park PPPs. There was little detail on municipal procurement schedules.

Growth in Poland's PPP market is expected in the sectors of social housing, waste and government buildings. The majority of PPPs in the country have so far focused on low value projects such as car parking schemes and bus shelters.

Marcel Babcynski at Erste Bank, also speaking at the ‘PPP in CEE 2012’ event, said: "We are missing the projects that stimulate economic growth and bridge the gap between West and East."

Poland reached commercial close on its first healthcare PPP in September last year but sources have said there is still some way to go before financing can be agreed.