Hull leaseholders reclaim control of neglected historic apartment block
A group of leaseholders at the historic Warehouse 13 in Hull has assumed direct control of its operations, with the goal of transforming it into one of the city’s most sought-after residential properties. The seven-story building, originally constructed in the 1850s, was Grade II-listed in 1970 and repurposed into apartments during the 1980s but had deteriorated under previous national management. The residents leveraged Right to Manage (RTM) regulations to establish Warehouse 13 RTM Company Ltd, an initiative facilitated by a change in legislation last year. The change increased the permitted proportion of non-residential space in buildings qualifying for RTM from 25 per cent to 50 per cent, enabling leaseholders to take control from the previous national management company.
The new management team, Pure Block Management, has already begun resolving long-standing problems, including water leaks, outdated electrical systems, and neglected communal areas. Leaseholders argue that the building’s prime waterfront location on Hull Marina and its protected heritage status should have made it a premier address, but years of neglect had diminished its appeal. Teri Sargent, a leaseholder and director of the RTM company, said the takeover would allow the building to be restored to its rightful standing. She highlighted the decision to engage local contractors for repairs, which she said would improve efficiency and reduce costs.
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Sarah Robinson, the block manager at Pure Block Management, said: “We unfortunately inherited significant outstanding operational and maintenance issues at this building.” The team has since focused on urgent repairs, including redecorating shared spaces, replacing worn carpets, and upgrading the car park and gardens. Future plans involve greater reliance on regional contractors instead of national firms to maintain responsiveness and value.
Legal guidance for the RTM process was provided by Siobhan Sylvester of Wilkin Chapman Rollits, while Liam Parker, another director at Pure Block Management, praised the rule changes as a “meaningful improvement” for leaseholders dissatisfied with conventional landlord management.
