‘Given its history in the city and heritage, and the views and its position on the Marina, Warehouse 13 should be one of Hull’s most sought-after residential locations’
Warehouse 13 in Hull(Image: Pure Block Management)
A prime residential building in Hull is poised for an upgrade to become one of the city’s most sought after residences following a change in management. Leaseholders in the Warehouse 13 complex on Hull’s Marina have taken control of the management of the property themselves, after legal changes came into force last year.
They successfully used ‘Right To Manage’ (RTM) regulations to take control of the building from a national company, appointing local specialists Pure Block Management to oversee the running of the building in the future. Bringing it under their own control was a move leaseholders had wanted to take for a number of years, but they were halted by laws which used to dictate that buildings only qualified for the RTM process if no more than 25% of it was used for non-residential purposes.
A law change last year increased that percentage to 50%, meaning Warehouse 13, and many other similar buildings now qualify. As a result, they established their own company – Warehouse 13 RTM Company Ltd – to take control and instruct the Pure Block Management team to manage it on a day-to-day basis
Pure Block Management will manage everything from service charges and budgeting, to planning maintenance works and ensuring regulatory compliance. Block manager Sarah Robinson said the most important works have been started immediately.
She said: “We placed an initial focus on rapid improvements, resolving longstanding issues, protecting a heritage asset, and improving value and service for leaseholders. The building has had a full electrical upgrade and we have also carried out a full redecoration of the communal areas and fitted new carpets throughout, as well as reviewing all contractors used.
“Moving forward we will be using many more local businesses, rather than national businesses, who we know can offer their services at a better value for leaseholders, and respond quicker when required. We’ve had some excellent feedback from leaseholders and resident directors of the Right to Manage company to our initial work.”
The seven-storey former dock warehouse dates back to the 1850s and was given Grade II listed building status by English Heritage in 1970, to protect its historical importance in the area. It was converted into apartments in the 1980s.
Teri Sargent, leaseholder and director of the newly-formed Warehouse 13 RTM Company Ltd, said: “Given its history in the city and heritage, and the views and its position on the Marina, Warehouse 13 should be one of Hull’s most sought-after residential locations. The Right To Manage process has given us the chance to really restore this important building in Hull to how it should be, and we are really excited at the opportunity to involve local businesses and tradespeople in doing just that.
“We have seen the place transformed inside as it has been newly decorated and had all new carpets fitted. The car park and gardens have also been upgraded and a new parking barrier is now in place.
“Leaseholders will now begin to see much better value for money from the service charge contributions they make, and the city will benefit from seeing one of its most iconic buildings lovingly managed and maintained not only for current leaseholders, but for all in the longer term.”
Liam Parker, director of Pure Block Management, added: “We are delighted have helped leaseholders finally gain control of Warehouse 13 and to be entrusted to manage it to the high-standards required on a building of such historic importance to the city. The changes in the rules around RTMs are a really positive change for leaseholders who are frustrated with the management of their buildings by freeholders and landlords. It really does give many more the power to take control and improve where they live.”
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