It makes me wonder how the windows on this Edwardian block (Granby House) used to get cleaned when it was built back around 1905? It was one of several buildings in the locale constructed as a packing warehouse back in Manchester's industrial heyday.
In the 1980s it was one of the first city centre blocks to be converted into apartments. Although the apartments are privately owned they come under the leasehold of Guinness Northern Counties, who are tomorrow (19 March) being taken to tribunal by residents of Granby House and other city centre blocks Lancaster House and 15 Piccadilly, for charging high fees and offering substandard services in return.
Respected Manchester Evening News and Manchester Confidential property journalist Jill Burdett explains why it came to this.
beautiful building...it does make you wonder!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you're afflicted with the same diseases we are: greed and incompetence. Hopefully, the residents' day in court will prove profitable for them.
ReplyDeleteI imagine window cleaners hung from ropes back in the "good old days."
Don't know about this case but it seems the drawback is that the leases tend to be for thirty or fewer years after which the ground rents can be increased by ridiculous amounts.
ReplyDeleteGreed and incompetence, like Lowell says...
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful building, mind you.