The Forum, B5

By
Touchstone
Ranked 6th out of 30 in Birmingham
4.54 (90 reviews) 4.54 (90 reviews)
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Transparency Rating: Excellent
This development has a high number of verified resident reviews written in the last 12 months.
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Category Scores

4.43
Facilities
4.59
Design
4.77
Location
4.22
Value
4.20
Management

The Forum features a range of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments to rent in the heart of Birmingham’s Southside district. There are a variety of resident facilities available on site, which include a gym, rooftop terrace, communal lounge and landscaped terrace with a pizza oven and BBQ facilities, together with a dedicated on-site concierge team to cater to your needs. The Bullring, Selfridges and Grand Central are only a short stroll away and Birmingham’s New Street station is a 5-minute walk away.

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The Forum, B5 Available Properties
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From £850 pcm
Touchstone - Forum
FOR0013 – Studio Apartment
1 Bed
1 Bath
405 sq ft
Touchstone
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From £965 pcm
Touchstone - Forum
FOR1013 – 1 Bed Apartment
1 Bed
1 Bath
520 sq ft
Touchstone
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From £1,100 pcm
Touchstone - Forum
FOR0718 – 1 Bed Apartment
1 Bed
1 Bath
471 sq ft
Touchstone
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From £1,410 pcm
Touchstone - Forum
FOR0024 – 2 Bed Apartment
2 Bed
1 Bath
666 sq ft
Touchstone
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The Forum, B5 Reviews

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An Excellent Place to Live

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Feb 2023

Building layout is nice, there is a courtyard section in the middle with tables and chairs, rentable barbeques and pizza ovens. The apartments are sizeable and good value. Had a few issues when we moved in but staff made arrangements and the maintenance team quickly sorted them out.

Management are very friendly and are willing to socialise and help out with any issues.

The community at the forum is great too – I have made many friends since moving in, mostly down to the events that management put on! Seems like any reason they have, management throws a party. Christmas, Chinese new year, valentine’s, Easter, Halloween, etc. Lovely initiatives.

Lots of gated parking spaces available at a charge (around £100pcm, standard for city centre but still pricey!)

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

Love living at the forum! Local amenities include Tesco and a wide variety of restaurants and other shops. It’s a 5-10,minute walk from New Street Station.

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

I wish I had known how great the community is – it would have made finding somewhere to live much quicker and easier!

The bin collections happen at very early hours, and the apartments are usually very hot. Definitely worth leaving your windows open for a couple of hours before bed.

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

Management have responded to all issues raised. There are a few minor issues I have raised in recent weeks that haven’t been sorted yet, but anything urgent is handled immediately.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Feels like home

Review Date Nov 2023

With holistic support services ,and the team going the extra mile to make us feel comfortable ,this is the place to be in ,would strongly recommend Forum for all working professionals .
The management is committed to keep the premises safe and are constantly working on improving services /standards set .

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

Centrally located ,with train connectivity minutes away ,makes it very convenient for day travels ,
With bull ring and high street nearby there are amazing choices for a dinner out with friends /family

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

Facility management services have a massive scope /opportunity to substantially enhance the residents experience

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

They have listened and assured improvements wherever required

4
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
4
Value
3
Management
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Everything is going down

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Oct 2023

Everything is going downhill : most of facilities out of order. Everything seems to break within few days and never gets fixed. Yearly rent increase more than 10% . Which is really high, many people the building and no community or friends left in the building to make you feel to stay back.

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

Pretty much easy to access all shops and good transportation facilities. New Birmingham plan to build Smithfield will be nightmare as nest door huge project for next few years. I am thinking may not be best not to renewal considering staying next to construction site

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

Standards are down hill and I didn’t expect yearly rent increase would be more than 10%

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

They fixed any maintenance request for the apartment but not for the facilities. Broken gym and coffee machine

1
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
1
Value
1
Management
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Birmingham’s Best Apartments

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Oct 2023

The interior of the building is luxurious and definately the main topic when your family/friends come round. There’s a hot drinks machine, breakfast some mornings, monthly events/parties, concierge, security, a gym, ground floor terrace and a rooftop

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

The Forum is situated in a prime location being as it’s in the heart of the city centre. Therefore, it’s close to several amenities such as the Bullring for your shopping, Arcadian for your nightlife and bars and lots of several tasty food shops. There’s many options to choose from in terms of transport whether your catching bus, tram or train so it’s perfect for working professionals. If your a driver, you would know parking in town is difficult but the building has its own parking for a reasonable fee. Being that the Forum is situated right in the heart of town, for people who like quiet enjoyment, it may be slightly difficult giving the party goers on the weekend. Why not get involved in the fun? Destress after a long working week.

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

Exploring all theapartment options in the building

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

Management manages the countless residents here al

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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The Forum: Fab pet friendly property to live at!

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Sep 2023

Love the property. The best part is that it’s pet friendly. Has two different areas for dogs to play and enjoy. The terrace is beautiful, common area has tv, pool table and lots of board games to enjoy with friends and the event held at the property are great. Peaceful property at a great location.

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

Great location in the city Center. No noise issue from the main roads and yet extremely close and accessible to new street station, bullring and grocery stores.

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

Wasn’t aware of the game nights and regular event that are held here. But they are genuinely a great way to know the neighbours.

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

All problems or issues have been addressed to well in time.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Amazing property to live at.

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Sep 2023

Fabulous property specially for pet owners. Additional benefits are definitely the location, the terrace view and the events that take place. A lot happening but never any disturbance is caused to anyone. Great and helpful management as well. I would definitely recommend it if you’re a pet owner.

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

The best thing about the property is the connection to city center and new street station. It makes life extremely convenient.

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

There’s nothing that I wasn’t aware of. Just that the gym is only accessible till 11pm. But it’s manageable.

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

The management has been extremely supportive and understanding since day one.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Lovely place to live

Review Date Sep 2023

The Forum is build to rent item,which is morden design.Lovely concierge provided coffee to residents .

Also have professional gym room in the basement.

Building management is fair not very well because our corridor was not clean always,I think this point need to be correct.

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

A lovely place to live,very convenience just walk 2 mins to indoor market,so I can buy many fresh food to prepare our lunch and dinner.

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

Our flat is facing DEAN STREET,it’s very noise in the morning now.Start from 04:30-05:00 the trolley of the market is start to work,so I will wake up.Before is not like this.

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

Well,we don’t have any problems until now,so I can’t give any comment about this.

5
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
4
Value
5
Management
User submitted image of  The Forum, B5
User submitted image of  The Forum, B5
User submitted image of  The Forum, B5
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Manager Response

Hello A Ka,

Thank you for your honest feedback – I’m happy that you are enjoying aspects of The Forum and, unfortunately, although I cannot control some of the external noise issues you are having, I can control our cleaning programme. I am currently looking into replacing some of the more damaged/stained carpets within the communal area – please can you email me direct which apartment you are living in, so I can assure you the area of concern is on my list?

Thank you in advance,
Louise

Living in the forum

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Sep 2023

Love the design, simple and has all the amenities everyone needs. It’s safe and a peaceful environment to be in . Love that they value my privacy and at the same time make sure I have everything I need to be comfortable . Love the communal area with games and the bbq

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

Love the convenience of train station , bus station and all grocery shops near by . Sometimes the area outside the building can stink that’s the only bad aspect of living here but doesn’t bother me much

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

Wish I could’ve got a different apartment . Although my room is great , other apartments in the building have a better layout compared to mine

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

They’ve responded promptly and helped me with everything

4
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
4
Value
4
Management
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Good Place to Live

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Sep 2023

The build is really new, I believe some around 5 years. This is a good point. The design build is good, we have a sociable room with TVs, couch, pool table. Other rooms it’s possible to work, also we have a Gym with news and good equipment. Other good point, the forum has a roof top area, good during the summer time. When we have any problem with the apartment or other things the build manager always quick answer and resolve the issue.

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

What I most like about The Forum is the location, everything is really close (shops, restaurants, cinemas, downtown city). It’s a bus stop almost in front of to the build. I don’t have bad aspects to share in terms of build location.

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

Would be nice to know, before we moved, all the taxes we must to pay.

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

The building manager always gives attention for any issue, also has quick answer and good communication.

5
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
4
Value
5
Management
User submitted image of  The Forum, B5
User submitted image of  The Forum, B5
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temporary stay only, poor property management, poor repairs and maintenance

Review Date Sep 2023

design: quite spacious
facilities: BBQ area, stopped for use long time ago (no follow-up by property management company).
building management: need to improve many things but the property management company do not review them in details (security, cleanliness, repairs and maintenance). Never heard the property management company water tank washing service
property management: very disappointed, slow response. Frontline staffs are quite nice and willing to help; if necessary

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

close to public railway stop and coach stop

close to the high street shops and shopping plaza

some selfish people left 5-6 unopened bins and garbage opposite to the Forum, Travelodge and students quarters (there is a small parking area there), very disgusting and affects the hygiene environment of Forum. The property management company can see or smell at the Podium level when they have patrol.

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

please consider the repairs and maintenance, cleanliness and security issues.

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

The building management’s response to raised issues has been unsatisfactory, by a slow and unhelpful approach. Despite attempts to address problems, their lack of promptness and unresponsiveness have hindered effective resolution. Improvement in their responsiveness and assistance is needed to address concerns efficiently. Importantly, the problem is still not fixed and pending on hold.

2
Facilities
4
Design
4
Location
2
Value
1
Management
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Living at the forum

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Aug 2023

This building has its own gym, with sufficient equipment and most of the time very quiet. I never used the communal lounge but it looks cozy, and they also have a barbecue area for use, which is nice if you have friends over. And the free coffee machine is quite nice. The dog run area also has facilities for the dogs to play with although area is bit small, so more suitable for small dogs. The WiFi in each apartment is fairly quick. The worse part of the building might be the bin store, it’s always messy with rubbish spilled onto the floor, flies everywhere, and there is only one recycling bin for the entire building, which gets full very quickly. And recycling and general waste are always placed in the wrong bins. Rent is increasing drastically like everywhere else in Birmingham, there is also additional cost to living with pets, when they hike the rent up again in the future, it may not be too worth it to live here anymore despite all the nice facilities they have.

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

Location is great, close to lots of good restaurants, really close to bullring and new street. However, at night, it can get really loud. Lots of bars and lots of loud engine revving heard throughout the nights. Parking is limited so if you are unlucky to not get a parking spot within the building, it’s almost impossible to find parking close by due to how busy the area is.

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

It gets loud at night, especially if there is an event/party going on in the garden or rooftop. Luckily it doesn’t happen too often.

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

It depends on who you contact, some never reply to your email, some reply quickly. And when I moved in, it was a mess, like they weren’t fully ready. I didn’t receive any important information (like setting up WiFi, utilities etc) like other tenants until a few days later. And it did add some stress when I can’t get any responses to my emails. Situation has improved since then. The reception team/security is always helpful and friendly.

4
Facilities
4
Design
4
Location
3
Value
3
Management
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These reviews are the subjective opinion of a HomeViews member and not of HomeViews

Resident photos

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User submitted image of The Forum, B5
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User submitted image of The Forum, B5
User submitted image of The Forum, B5
User submitted image of The Forum, B5
User submitted image of The Forum, B5
User submitted image of The Forum, B5
User submitted image of The Forum, B5
User submitted image of The Forum, B5
User submitted image of The Forum, B5
User submitted image of The Forum, B5
User submitted image of The Forum, B5
User submitted image of The Forum, B5
User submitted image of The Forum, B5
User submitted image of The Forum, B5
User submitted image of The Forum, B5
User submitted image of The Forum, B5
User submitted image of The Forum, B5
User submitted image of The Forum, B5

Facilities

24 Hours

24 Hours

Balcony

Balcony

Bike Parking

Bike Parking

On Site Cafe

On Site Cafe

Central

Central

Coworking

Coworking

Concierge

Concierge

Garden

Garden

Communal Gardens

Communal Gardens

Gym

Gym

Lounge

Lounge

Onsite Maintenance

Onsite Maintenance

Parcel Lockers

Parcel Lockers

Parking

Parking

Pet Friendly

Pet Friendly

Play Area

Play Area

Private Dining

Private Dining

Resident Events

Resident Events

Roof Terrace

Roof Terrace

Security

Security

Service

Service

Location

Explore the area

Touchstone
Number of developments 3

4.52

Average rating based on 168 reviews

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