Cortland Broad St, B15

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

The range and quality of local shops, bars and restaurants are great. I also feel safe walking out and being on the nearby streets. There isn’t any parking which is slightly frustrating but nothing else that is bad other than that.

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

Immediately - within 24 hours at times and the problems have been fixed very quickly.

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

The only thing that I wish I had known is how high the energy bills are. I try not to use it often but the bills are still quite costly.

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

The area was a no-brainer for us. It is within walking distance to Five Ways train station and Morrisons, there’s also a tram stop right in front of the building and a bunch of restaurants across the street. It is located towards the end of broad street, so it is further away from the noise.

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

We haven’t really had major issues, but all the minor ones were fixed on the same or next working day!

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

Honestly the sense of community we have here is my favorite thing about this place. I would still move here regardless of anything!

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

The place is on Broad Street, so there are plenty of coffee shops close by, especially around Brindley Place and right in front of the building. There’s also a cinema nearby, which is really handy, and a tram stop just around the corner, making it easy to get around the city.

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

I once reported a light issue in my bathroom, and the building management sorted it out within a few hours. They were quick, efficient, and made the process hassle-free.

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

One thing I appreciated is that they provide you with all the necessary information before moving in. There were no surprises, and everything was clear and well explained, which made the whole process smooth and stress-free.

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

This development is located on broad street which is 15 minutes walk away from the city centre, 5 minutes walk to brindley place with lots of restaurants and canal walks, and 5 minutes walk from a big Morrisons. There are some good places for nightlife on broad street, so if you enjoy nights out you have a lot of options at your doorstep. It’s also 20 minutes walk to colmore square for the business district so for people working there with hybrid working patterns, the commute is pleasant. You’re in the centre of most of what Birmingham has to offer on broad street. For the bad, the parking options are limited. There is not parking available with this development. Being on broad street, it may also get loud. I am on the 14th floor so it is nice and quiet for me. I am not sure what the experience of those on lower floors is like, as broad street can get busy and noisy on a Friday and Saturday night.

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

I have not had to raise any issues yet so cannot provide insight here But there is an app which makes raising any issues easy so I have confidence the process will be a good one. All of my interactions with the building team so far have been excellent and they have gone above and beyond to help.

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

The information given before we moved in was good, I had already asked questions about the pet policy and the appliances (eg the hob is induction) so many of the things I needed to know were answered. However, there are some more details about the communal areas, which are still a little uncertain. For example, the policies around bringing friends/non-residents into the gym is unclear. I have asked and been told I need to email before each person I bring into the gym to clear them in advance - and to do this each time even for the same previously approved person. During my viewing this was not made clear, and the approach sounded more casual. The continual building work which is going on at the moment and has meant the rooftop terrace is out of action is also something I would have liked to know before moving. The facilities are still excellent and it would not have affected my decision, but during my viewing the terrace was available and was a beautiful space. Not having access now is a shame. This building work also means there will sometimes be workmen being lifted up past my window slowly, without notice. As a woman, this was a little disconcerting the first time and now I feel a little on edge while the ropes are there - as men could come up at any time and see into my flat unless I keep the curtains closed all day on week days.

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

The building is located at the heart of Birmingham within a few metres from the Tramway, bus, and only a 20 minutes walk to Birmingham New Street. If you need groceries, Morrisons is only 10 minutes away and Sainsbury's within 5 minutes walk. As for restaurants, you have got everything you need in Brindley place or on Broad Street. Need entertainment ? Cineworld is just across the road and Broadway Plaza is located 5minutes away !

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

Any queries I had were responded to immediately. Any service required was also addressed within 48 hours or less ! Management truly cares about residents and it makes living here stressless when you can count on onsite support. I truly feel like I am not alone when issues arise.

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

In terms of improvement, I believe that the pet fee for cats and animals other than dogs who use the private green space should be removed in the future as residents consider that any damage to the properties is already being covered by the check out fee/ insurance.