The Helm, BH8

It’s a good aesthetically pleasing building but it’s not functional so really we don’t get what we’re paying for it has constant problems poorly managed from higher up the problem is from Savills but the on site management are very nice and do help and try to put in the effort

Love having the roof terrace and residents lounge so you’re not always confided to your four walls. We love our flat and the modern design, sea view is a massive bonus. Often have to deal with lifts going down which can be an inconvenience. It’s been the perfect first home

The only good thing about this place is my flat. The building itself is a poorly managed, run-down mess, surrounded by drug addicts and students. There is no peace, no safety, and no hope of the situation ever improving. Despite this, they charge premium prices for very little in return. The lifts are constantly out of order, forcing residents to climb numerous flights of stairs just to reach their apartments. The intercom has been broken for over eight months, making it impossible for anyone to visit. Communal areas are neglected, damaged, and left in disrepair. Management is virtually non-existent, and the building, along with the surrounding areas, is covered in dog mess, litter, and broken glass. I would not recommend moving here.

The design of the building is very beautiful in every detail, and the facilities are in good condition, the gym and areas, but they should improve the management and administration of the property because they are always changing the administration to have something stable

The apartments themselves are typically very nice (assuming the previous tenant looked after it). The private roof top garden on floor 14 is nice although the panels have been ripped off the building, there is a burnt patch of plastic grass and we will soon loose our view/sun light to the building being developed next door. The communal lounge has seen better days. Although it has a very nice view, everything is in the lounge is worn and battered. The doors from the lounge to the garden are literally screwed shut and have been broken for 2+ years. The floor is warped from the consistent leaks/flooding. The Gym is small but typically clean and well kept by the residents. Ideal for light work outs. Events at the helm are very hit and miss. When done properly, they cannot be faulted however, they’re inconsistent and poorly advertised. Parking at the Helm is not included in the rent and has more than doubled over the past 12-18 months. The car park is always flooded. The shutters to the carpark are typically broke every other month and bikes are not safe as some members of the community decide to make the carpark their new home/help themselves. The energy supplier for the Helm make up the figures as they go and charge what ever they feel is right. When issues are raised with the energy supplier, they advise to speak with the building manager who of course, sends you back to the supplier. Any issue reported in this building is “noted” and “passed on”. Items required for repairs are always “on order, will be here in 2 weeks” - this has been the case for months. Maintenance is not existent in the Helm, if you want something fixed you’re better off doing it yourself. You’ll find out maintenance guy sat outside the front of the building next door, with a coffee and a cigarette. Our night security typically shut the office door and catch some sleep. They do not answer the phone when required. As tenants, we are consistently told by building management that repairs are coming, improvements will be made, consistent events happening, refurbishments in the works. We are yet to see any of this happen. Management occasionally write their own positive reviews on Google to increase the bonuses they receive from their employers. Rent prices increase while the standards of this building are just about maintained. Once an alternative high end apartment building becomes available, the Helm will be left in the dust