Leaseholders take control of historic Hull landmark

Leaseholders at a Grade II-listed waterfront building in Hull have taken control of its management in a bid to restore it to one of the city’s most sought-after residential addresses.

Residents at Warehouse 13, on Hull Marina, have used Right to Manage (RTM) legislation to take over responsibility for the seven-storey property, appointing local specialists Pure Block Management to oversee its upkeep.

The move follows a change in legislation last year, which increased the permitted proportion of non-residential space in buildings qualifying for RTM from 25 per cent to 50 per cent.

It has enabled leaseholders to establish Warehouse 13 RTM Company Ltd and take control from the previous national management company.

Dating back to the 1850s, the former dock warehouse was Grade II-listed in 1970 and converted into apartments during the 1980s.

Since taking over, Pure Block Management has begun addressing longstanding maintenance issues, including leaks, wall repairs and electrical upgrades, alongside redecorating communal areas, replacing carpets and improving the car park and gardens.

Sarah Robinson, block manager at Pure Block Management, said: “We unfortunately inherited significant outstanding operational and maintenance issues at this building.

“We placed an initial focus on rapid improvements, resolving longstanding issues, protecting a heritage asset, and improving value and service for leaseholders.

“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.”

Teri Sargent, leaseholder and director of Warehouse 13 RTM Company Ltd, added: “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.”

Pure Block Management supported leaseholders through the RTM process, alongside legal advice from Siobhan Sylvester at Wilkin Chapman Rollits.

Liam Parker, director of Pure Block Management, added: “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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