A guide to living in West Midlands

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

A sense of belonging, neighbors looking out for each other, and local events that bring people together. Easy access to shops, schools, healthcare, and public transport. Park nearby where you can relax and exercise.

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

Yes - regarding hot water issue last month Also prompt fixes around the communal area such as foots and lifts, always kept clean and tidy.

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

One thing I wish I had known before moving into The Locks is that while the facilities and location are excellent, the recycling system isn’t as well-organised as I expected. It would have been helpful to know in advance that recycling collections are limited, so I could plan around it.

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

Living here has been primarily positive. There’s a good range of shops, restaurants, and bars within walking distance, plus nearby green spaces for fresh air. Transport links are convenient with frequent buses and trains, making it easy to get around. The street is generally quiet with little anti-social behaviour, and bin collections are reliable.

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

Building management has been very responsive whenever I have raised an issue. Any maintenance requests were handled promptly, and I was constantly informed of progress. Their professionalism has made living here stress-free and enjoyable.

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

I wish I had known how peaceful and pleasant the canal-side location would be — it’s a real highlight of living here. The nearby green spaces are great for walks and fresh air, making it feel like the perfect balance between city living and nature.

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

You can walk into central Birmingham in a few minutes, and the transport links are very good with easy routes into the city.

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

The management is very good and professional here and they respond back very fast and the reception staff are also very professional.

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

So far happy with everything and nothing bad to say here

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

Spectacular views from the Mercian. You can see the entire city and it’s a very lively area to live. It’s very well connected with buses, trams, and train stations within easy reach, making commuting straightforward, though the area can get busy at peak times. Living here means being at the heart of Birmingham’s cultural and social life, with plenty of choice for eating out and leisure activities.

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

The building management has always been quick and helpful whenever an issue has come up. They respond promptly and make sure things are sorted without much hassle. The night team, especially Peter and Moses, have also been great at offering support whenever needed.

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

The parking spaces are quite limited. That’s about it.

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

There is lots of shops just outside and you can find anything you need just outside the building. Very good location and the transport is very good. The bin collections seem to be regular. Moses and Peter on the night team are very nice and always so helpful

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

I haven’t had any problems but the management is very good in the building

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

The streets is very noisy until very late hours on weekends because of all the cars and traffic and bars.