A guide to living in Bristol

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

One of the main reasons I chose this area was for its location. It has a local shop in the same building which is amazingly convenient. Multiple cafes, restaurants and bars only minutes away and the train station which offers great transport connections. The main downside is it is not the most beautiful area due to building works and there are a lot of homeless people who can sometimes employ aggressive tactics.

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

I have always received a prompt response, for example when my first rent payment didn't go out as expected they were very good about it and allowed me time to get set up.

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

I wish there was more of a community feel, especially regarding the gym and WFH areas as I am a single woman WFH so I had hoped to get to know more people

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

My comments: -Reception staff didn’t have any fob for me to get into the parking space! -Reception staff didn’t activate my car registration so that I can get into the parking space (I went to Finzles Reach office myself to finish everything) -It’s been more than a week & both heaters are not working in our apartment & not fixed yet (it seems we need to wait for one month at least & adapt to the cold winter without any heating system!!!)

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

Unfortunately no, I don’t know how long I need to wait for them to fix both heaters in my apartment!?

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

I don’t if the problem is with the “process” or “people” or both!!!? You need to be professional enough to manage the property in the right way.

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

Its generally very quiet and the front desk is lovely when you are a person with disability. But, the weekends can get noisy.

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

They have all in all been very responsive. Things have to be in stock though.

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

The noise level with both the fire station and the bar, especially on weekends can be horrible. I also feel that the accessible flats should not have been built right next to the fire station.

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

When we moved in the nearest shop was Tescos on Victoria street. The addition of Mokoko and a Sainsbury’s in the building has been massive. Pasty shop down the road is great and so close to the train station.

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

Always happy to try and sort out issues, but took over a month to fix the oven door. Intent is there but lack of spare parts kept on site seems to be an issue (piston for ottoman bed took a while etc). When lifts or hot water go out it can be a lengthy wait to be fixed. Otherwise very responsive and helpful!

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

Pasty emporium is great, air filters should be changed semi regularly. More storage than it seems!

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

I absolutely loved living in Hawkins Lane Building for 4.5 years. Beyond the fantastic location and great building, the team themselves made it such a safe, well-managed, loving, and lovely place. I'll especially miss Craig, Lana, and Sarah- they've been so kind to me and often went out of their way to support me.

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

Building Management have always attended to all my queries and any issues I've raised. In fact, even when it's been issues that are more personal (such as when I lost my mum and informed them) they all did everything they could- within their capacity- to offer words, actions, and behaviours of comfort and solidarity. I sincerely wish each and everyone of them the same kindness they've shown me over the years.

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

I feel like I was given adequate information before I moved in, and can't think of anything else to add.