A guide to living in Birmingham

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The location is exceptional. Great for public transport and Cannon Hill park. Really easy access into town.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

They are always super quick to respond, problems are solved in no time.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The building is dog friendly but lots of the neighbours don't like dogs.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Outstanding contemporary design and very quiet, with a very large co-working space; it's like living in a 5-star hotel. Everyone has been so helpful since moving in on 8th August. I need to say a special thanks to the community hosts, Ellie and Matthew, for their help in settling me in and dealing with queries and tenant information. Also, Alexandra, Assistant Community Manager, who sent a comprehensive welcome email with lots of useful links and suggestions. On my first evening at Corkfield, I also received outstanding customer care from Ameie (security) when I did not have hot water. He said someone would be able to help, and 15 mins later another team member (I did not know his name) came up to my apartment and sorted the water-heating timer so I would have hot water. He also helped me carry many cardboard boxes down to the waste area. The next day, Ameie provided outstanding customer care again concerning a heavy package from IKEA. When we could not find a trolley, he went out of his way to help me carry the heavy parcels to my apartment, which is a considerable distance from reception. On my third day, two maintenance personnel helped me with some issues in the apartment: the window not shutting, programming the water heating, and moving some furniture. It is easy to be impressed by the design of the apartments and building, but it is the staff who keep the place running smoothly that make such a significant difference to your experience at Corkfield. They are all friendly and keen to help. Overall, I am very impressed with the Corkfield team. Thank you, Ellie, Matthew, Alexandra, Ameie, the two maintenance personnel and the other team member who got my hot water running.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Yes, as explained in my review above, the maintenance team responded first thing in the morning

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Can't think of any because I did have two great viewings, one by Tamara and the other by Ellie - both were very informative.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Really great location, you've got the bus, tram, and train all right outside, as well as a big Morrisons and a range of different shops/restaurants/bars. Despite being just off the roundabout, the windows keep out all the traffic noise. There's the option for an underground parking space if you drive, and a bin storage which is kept clean and emptied regularly!

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

All maintenance requests have been responded to promptly and any issues solved

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Definitely go to as many events as possible, you'll meet some wonderful people and have a lot of fun!

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Great links and amenities. I need to get the train to meetings, and new street is stone’s throw away

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Always sorted it out. Even though paradise parking were recalcitrant with my permit the Octagon team found me temporary parking to minimise stress

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Even the one beds are quite spacious. The lobby area is excellent and always clean and tidy. The team are supremely helpful as well as friendly, especially Paul, Sylvia, CJ, Brad (I may have misspelled/misheard his name, sorry) and Tiegan

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

I’ve had a really positive experience living at Moda, The Mercian. The building is modern, well maintained and in a brilliant location right in the heart of Birmingham. The team members Tayla is very friendly and professional.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

My flight arrived quite late in the evening, but Tayla still made sure everything was arranged for my check-in. The whole process was smooth and stress-free, which I really appreciated after a long journey. It felt very thoughtful and flexible rather than just following a rigid check-in process.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The building itself is modern, well maintained and in a fantastic location. Overall, a very welcoming place to live with a team that genuinely cares about residents.