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BLOCK MANAGEMENT CASE STUDY · ST LEONARDS-ON-SEA

Viking Court, St Leonards-on-Sea

Keeping a new development to a high standard, and getting the fire safety decisions right.

Viking Court is a newly built residential development on Dane Road in St Leonards-on-Sea. Oakfield was appointed as managing agent in October 2024 following a successful tender, and was reappointed by the new freeholder when the freehold changed hands.

  • CLIENT

    Freeholder

  • APPOINTED

    October 2024

  • LOCATION

    Dane Road, St Leonards-on-Sea

  • DEVELOPMENT

    New purpose-built block

Viking Court, a four-storey red brick apartment block with bay windows, seen from the driveway

I’d happily recommend Oakfield to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy managing agent.

DALE SAUNDERS, CLIENT
IN THIS CASE STUDY
  1. 01Background
  2. 02The challenge
  3. 03Our approach
  4. 04The fire alarm decision
  5. 05Looking ahead
  6. 06Client feedback
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01

Background

We were proud to be appointed as managing agent for Viking Court in October 2024, following a successful tender process. Since then, our team has focused on delivering a high standard of property management, so that the building and its communal areas are maintained to the quality expected of a modern development.

Management was originally awarded to Oakfield alongside another building with the same freeholder, on the understanding that it would be temporary, as the owner intended to sell the freehold.

When the sale completed, we were delighted to be reappointed by the new freeholder to continue managing the building.

02

The challenge

As a new development, Viking Court needs a management style that protects the quality of the building from the start, while keeping pace with health and safety regulations, and in particular fire safety regulations, which continue to evolve.

  • Maintain the quality of a new build
  • Monitor changing health and safety rules
  • Keep up with fire safety regulation
  • Resolve whether the fire alarm was needed
The front elevation of Viking Court with its columned entrance porch
03

Our approach

The most significant item since taking on management was the building’s fire alarm. A system had been installed during development, which is unusual for a purpose-built block of flats, so we looked carefully at whether it was needed.

  1. Detailed research of fire safety legislation

    Reviewing the current legislation as it applies to a purpose-built block of this design.

  2. Checking local enforcement

    Looking at how fire safety law is enforced locally.

  3. Discussions with trusted local authorities

    Taking advice from trusted and local authorities before reaching a view.

  4. A clear conclusion

    Because of the building’s design, it was determined that a fire alarm system was required.

04 · THE FIRE ALARM DECISION

Two ways to make the building compliant

With a fire alarm required, the alternative would have been extensive changes to the building’s compartmentation. We weighed both options.

ALTERNATIVE

Adjust the compartmentation

Extensive works to the building’s fire compartmentation, with significant disruption to residents and a considerable financial impact.

AGREED APPROACH

Maintain the existing fire alarm

Keep the installed system and have it serviced in line with British Standards and current fire safety legislation, confident that this is right for the building.

A communal landing at Viking Court with a fire door and closer

The result protects residents and their finances, and gives the freeholder confidence that the building meets current fire safety requirements.

Viking Court today

Viking Court from the front lawn, with the church tower behind
The columned entrance porch and doors of Viking Court
A bright communal landing and staircase inside Viking Court
The side elevation of Viking Court and the communal lawn
The rear of Viking Court and its gravel parking area
05 · LOOKING AHEAD

A well-managed, safe and desirable place to live

We remain committed to maintaining and enhancing the high standards that residents and stakeholders have come to expect at Viking Court.

We look forward to strengthening our working relationship with the freeholder, with open communication and a collaborative approach to maintenance, improvements and overall building management.

  • Reappointed by the new freeholder
  • Fire alarm serviced to British Standards
  • Building and communal areas kept to a high standard
The courtyard and rear entrance of Viking Court on a sunny day
06 · CLIENT FEEDBACK

A few words from our client

“We have been using Oakfield to manage my block of flats in St Leonards for a while now, and I honestly couldn’t be happier with the service. The whole team is professional, responsive, and proactive. They deal with any issues quickly and always keep me in the loop, which gives me real peace of mind as a landlord.

They look after the tenants well, keep the building in great condition, and make the whole process of property management hassle-free for me. I’d happily recommend Oakfield to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy managing agent.

Thanks to everyone at Oakfield. Your hard work is genuinely appreciated.”

Dale Saunders
Client, Viking Court

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Maunsell Road
Castleham Industrial Estate
St Leonards-on-Sea
East Sussex TN38 9NN
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