The Castings, M1

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

The location of the building is really convenient. It’s an easy walk to Piccadilly station, the city centre, Ancoats and the Northern Quarter – all within about 15 minutes. The canal route into town is a nice touch too, especially on a sunny day. New Islington Marina is just around the corner and a great spot to sit out by the water, though it can get pretty busy when the sun’s out. There is also a green space being developed along Great Ancoats Street, near the marina. There’s an Aldi less than 10 minutes away which is super handy, plus a few local shops nearby that stay open later. For going out, Ancoats and the Northern Quarter are packed with bars and restaurants, and you’ve got even more options once you’re in the city centre. Great Ancoats Street is quite close, but with the windows closed, it’s generally quiet – just the odd siren now and then. Public transport is easy too, with the New Islington tram stop about a five-minute walk away.

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

Maintenance respond quickly to any maintenance requests raised and have fully resolved all issues.

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

Aldi is less than 10mins walk and the New Islington Marina is a great place to enjoy the sun.

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

I have lived in casting for almost a year, and experience living here was amazing. I am currently university student, and there is a bus stop right next to the apartment and fee is also free for UOM students. I prefer to walk to the uni and it only takes 25 minutes to get there. The apartment is also close with northern quarter, Arndale, Aldi, and Sainsbury which makes my life even more convenient. Right next to the apartment, there is also Piccadilly village which is a nice place to walk around.

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

When I first moved in, I feel like air circulator is not working well. I requested help through active building, and staff popped in to my room and checked my room at the time I selected.

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

I am living in the middle floor and I've heard that new construction is gonna start right next to the casting. If you are sensitive for construction blocking your nice view, I recommend to move in to higher floor, or the room that is not facing the construction site.

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

Living on this street is generally really nice — it’s a friendly area with a great sense of community and loads of local cafés, shops, and green spaces nearby. Everything you need is pretty much on your doorstep, and the location is super convenient for transport, with regular buses and nearby train links. Parking can be a bit tricky, especially in the evenings, and there is the occasional bit of anti-social behaviour, but nothing too major. Bin collections are reliable and the street is usually clean and fairly quiet. Overall, it’s a lovely place to live with just a couple of minor issues.

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

Within the same day or if not, the next, 10/10 no complaints.

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

Some antisocial behaviour in surrounding roads which was sometimes anxiety inducing.

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

The Castings is located near ALDI, Sainsbury's, Picadilly Station and Freight Island! It is very accessible and close to a lot of societal areas.

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

Initially, they were a bit slow as the apartments just opened, but now they try to resolve the situation within 24 hours, which is perfect for someone like me who often has to go into the office.

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

Recommended providers for electricity and water. How often events would happen

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

Super close to the train station, which I use all the time, as well as new is tram station, 147 to uni (~very useful for me). Also having an aldi 5 minutes away is so fab.

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

Toilet seat was off the hinges, reported it, they replaced it the next day.

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

How to book the communal spaces! It's on the LOFT living app (important because you book like a month in advance).