Leaseholders in the Warehouse 13 complex on Hull’s Marina say they aim to make it one of the city’s ‘most sought-after residences’ once again, having taken control of the management of the property themselves.
They successfully used to ‘Right To Manage’ (RTM) regulations to take control from a national company, appointing local specialists Pure Block Management to oversee the running of the building moving forward.
Bringing it under their own control was a move leaseholders had wanted to take for a number of years.
However, they were prevented by laws which previously dictated 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 for RTM.
The process enabled them to establish their own company – Warehouse 13 RTM Company Ltd – take control and instruct the Pure Block Management team to manage it day to day.
Improvements made immediately
Pure Block Management has been instructed to manage everything from service charges and budgeting to planning maintenance works and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Block Manager Sarah Robinson said every aspect of the management of Warehouse 13 has been reviewed, with the most important works started immediately.
“We unfortunately inherited significant outstanding operational and maintenance issues at this building,” she said.
“We placed an initial focus on rapid improvements, resolving longstanding issues, protecting a heritage asset, and improving value and service for leaseholders.
“This saw us set to work immediately to make improvements both internally and externally, including resolving all leaks and carrying out wall repairs, cleaning and treatment.
“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.”
A chance to restore a historic Hull building
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.
“Due to years of neglect, it has been far from that, and actually a place people have not wanted to be at.
“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.”
Law change ‘gives people power to improve where they live’
Pure Block Management provided its expertise to support leaseholders through the process of setting up the RTM company, with the advice of Siobhan Sylvester at Wilkin Chapman Rollits.
Liam Parker, director of Pure Block Management, said: “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.
“It is fair to say that leaseholders have been extremely frustrated in recent years by how money has been spent, and the lack of maintenance and upkeep of the building and its surroundings.
“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.”