Required: Major Improvements to Leasehold Property in Warrington

Residential Case Study

"It quickly became apparent that major refurbishment works were required to improve security for all blocks and also their appearance."

The Client

When it comes to block management in Manchester and Warrington and managing improvements to leasehold property, there aren't too many options, so we were delighted when Urban Space (Warrington) Management Company Limited came to us to manage their diverse development.

Urban Space is a purpose-built development in Warrington which consists of a mixture of 132 apartments within nine blocks, together with 51 houses.

The Problem

Casserly Property Management was appointed as a Managing Agent back in September 2018 and it quickly became apparent that there was a requirement for some major improvements to leasehold property in the blocks of flats to improve, not only the security aspect of all blocks but also their appearance, as well. Despite the development being less than 10 years old at that time, it was showing significant signs of wear and tear with apartment block front doors being damaged, internal apartment stairwell walls marked and carpets stained. For its age, it was quite run down.

Our Solution

Before any works could commence a full review of the Lease was carried out to enable a new budget format to be compiled. With 14 separate schedules, it was quite a complicated Lease structure. However, we needed to ensure each property paid the correct proportion of costs going forward.

Once the analysis had been completed, we also carried out a full review and restructure of the Service Charge Accounts and Reserve Funds. This was needed to provide clarity as to what Reserve Funds were held under each schedule - and thus we established which apartments blocks had Reserve Funds available to carry out the required works - and which did not. Once the financial position was clear and had been explained to our Clients, we then planned a timetable for the major works, alongside a financial timetable for collecting the reserve funds within the service charge budget.

The first major project undertaken at Urban Space Warrington was the replacement of all entry doors, which took place in 2019 at a cost of £80,000. This involved replacing every one of the existing front and rear doors, with 44 new composite doors and door furniture. The works also included maintaining and reinstating the interface with the existing intercom units on all front doors, minimising disruption whilst ensuring security for residents.

Subsequently we've also organised and managed:

Complete redecoration for all internal communal areas, in late 2022.
Fire compartmentation works were completed in 2023, ensuring the safety of all residents, whilst simultaneously boosting the saleability of the apartments
Refurbishment of all bin stores - alongside repainting of all parking spaces - which has improved the appearance of the whole estate.