Block Management Barbican

As a specialist Block Management Company we are operating in Barbican


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Block Management Overview

Block and Estate Management is about the minutia done well: the role of a Managing Agent is technical, administrative, practical and political. It takes joined up thinking from a multi-disciplined team with one eye on the strategic long term plan and with sufficient resource to react to whatever is necessary day-to-day: the skills that block and estate management spans are: politics, building pathology, finance, legal knowhow and of course customer service too.

As a leading Managing Agent, we are a one-stop-property shop. We understand that our role is sometimes signposting Clients to get expert advice and supporting them to interpret such advice and make decisions. We support and help owners reach out to government and other local services where matters are beyond our day-to-day block management remit.

As a Managing Agent we know our true business is building relationships with people. Our people are empowered and know that they can make a difference to how people feel about where they live. We call our 'Property Manager's 'Relationship Managers' as our focus which is written up in our values is (a) to build relationships, (b) add value, and (c) to take the initiative: to us this means managing relationships. We lead the market in transparency and focusing on risk, cash, repairs and place making, usually in that order, and was the first Managing Agent to introduce a 'money back guarantee'.

We are not shy of hard work and believe our ability to get stuck in and find solutions that sets us apart. We are innovative to the core and committed to implementing good ideas in pursuit of 5* service.

Being who we are would be impossible without our passionately committed people, whose qualifications we sponsor and who we support professionally to be the best they can be, as achieving a national training award and our Silver IIP status confirms.


Block Management Reviews

"Our property manager, Natalie Birmingham has made our experience with Ringley extremely positive, having moved some of the management of our commercial property over to Ringley.
Natalie's professionalism, promptness, and dedication to exceeding expectations has left a lasting impression. She responds promptly to any queries or comments that we have and what sets Natalie apart is her commitment to going above and beyond. "

Mitch 1 days ago

"Ringley have been supporting a number of leaseholders as managing agent - including myself - through a large insurance claim. It’s not an easy job managing 40+ different competing interests and I commend them for handling such a tricky situation. Dominic and Kate have been been responsive, informative and have advocated my needs and interests to all third party stakeholders. The claim will take a significant amount of time to resolve but had it not of been for Ringley I do not think we would have made any progress at all. I strongly recommend them."

Daniel 1 days ago

"We have had a problem with noise from the flat above us in Lady Isle House Ferry Court Cardiff. We contacted a Mr Paul Staniforth who immediately became involved and addressed the situation. We really do appreciate what he has done for us and cannot thank him enough. Once again a big thank you to Mr Staniforth. The noise above was intolerable."

Shane, 2 days ago

We work alongside those deploying capital: our VirginLand by Ringley identify sites, our capital markets team work on equity and debt, our Asset Managers act as Employer’s Agent during the build for Project Monitoring. Towards Practical Completion we will be preparing always to mobilse new assets, take plant handover, recruit great teams and lease up fast.
We work to enhance the value of our Client’s asset and demonstrate good governance. To us this means engaging with leaseholders, residents and other stakeholders to ensure they are engaged with the management of each development.
Our aim is to make Management Company Directors feel empowered: to us this means 100% transparency and advising them of the options available to support decision making. We know volunteer directors have a day job, so work to delivery what they need in a timely manner and guide them on the decisions we need.
Within The Ringley Group we have a range of professional practices to enable transactions: Land Find, Valuers, Surveyors, Engineers and of course Ringley Law.
We work closely with official receivers, asset owners, lenders and tax consultants to support property owners throughout each assets lifecycle.
We work alongside those deploying capital: our VirginLand by Ringley identify sites, our capital markets team work on equity and debt, our Asset Managers act as Employer’s Agent during the build for Project Monitoring. Towards Practical Completion we will be preparing always to mobilse new assets, take plant handover, recruit great teams and lease up fast.
We work to enhance the value of our Client’s asset and demonstrate good governance. To us this means engaging with leaseholders, residents and other stakeholders to ensure they are engaged with the management of each development.
Our aim is to make Management Company Directors feel empowered: to us this means 100% transparency and advising them of the options available to support decision making. We know volunteer directors have a day job, so work to delivery what they need in a timely manner and guide them on the decisions we need.
Within The Ringley Group we have a range of professional practices to enable transactions: Land Find, Valuers, Surveyors, Engineers and of course Ringley Law.
We work closely with official receivers, asset owners, lenders and tax consultants to support property owners throughout each assets lifecycle.
Why Ringley?

As a group of companies we are a diverse bunch with enough experts on board to be a one-stop-property-shop. We listen and align to each Client's goals so each of us knows what needs to be done all the while remaining innovative and solutions oriented - as a team - One Ringley.

We promise:
  • 100% transparency
  • to network and find solutions
  • focused committed people

We're confident our teams will rise to any challenge presented, so...
If you're not happy after 6 months, we will do the right thing

Why Ringley?

As a group of companies we are a diverse bunch with enough experts on board to be a one-stop-property-shop. We listen and align to each Client's goals so each of us knows what needs to be done all the while remaining innovative and solutions oriented - as a team - One Ringley.

We promise:
  • 100% transparency
  • to network and find solutions
  • focused committed people

We're confident our teams will rise to any challenge presented, so...
If you're not happy after 6 months, we will do the right thing

The Team

The key to our success is our people

Kate
London Office
Head of Block Management - London & SE
Richard
Cardiff Office
Head of Block Management - Wales & West
RichardNick
London Office
Block Management - National Head of Site Staff

Richard

Cardiff Office

Head of Block Management - Wales & West

Kate

London Office

Head of Block Management - London & SE

Nick

London Office

Block Management - National Head of Site Staff


History of Barbican

 

Barbican is among the large residential and cultural complexes in London, United Kingdom. The estate has its historical significance coupled with some of the key architectural and cultural milestones in the city.

1. Origins and Design:

•The Barbican Estate contained a site that was bombed during the War. There were huge damages that initiated the redeveloping project of the then City of London Corporation.

• Barbican: A vision of function in geometrical shapes and lots of concrete was what the Brutalist architects Chamberlin, Powell, and Bon followed in their winning design for the Barbican:

2. Building and Development :

Coupled with this, it was designed in the 1960s and constructed, thus spilling over to the 1970s, with the Barbican Centre being a huge arts and conference structure all completed in 1982.

• Barbican Estate consists of three residential towers and fifteen terrace blocks. All these blocks are connected by expressways. This site enfolds the plethora of other components – Barbican Arts Centre, a public library, a school, heaps of shops, and restaurants- so making it completely self-contained in the heart of the city of London.

3. Architecture and

• Unique things about the architecture of the Barbican podium buildings lined with landscape gardens and artificial lakes make the architecture of landscapes and artificial lakes curving around the concrete towers.

• The architectural design was meant to combine residential and commercial settlement in the same area since it gave a modern living environment in the urban setup.

4. Cultural Significance :

Barbican Centre presents the key arts venue in the capital of Great Britain, proposing a place where you can enjoy concerts, exhibitions, theatres, movies, and many other things.

It is a multi-functional cultural hub with an art gallery, Barbican Library, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and the London Symphony Orchestra.

5. Legacy and Influence:

Despite early criticism based on the Brutalist style, it had however come out to be the most pivotal face of the planning and post-war period of design.

Yet, be the most sought-after residential address in London and a vibrant cultural venue that attracts many people worldwide.

Essentially, the Barbican works as a metaphor for London—an epitome of its toughness to digest all modern architectural and cultural novelties within the very texture of its revitalized identity.

Most prestigious roads in Barbican

The Barbican in London is an abode of numerous important roads and streets that are magnificent as well as historic. Some of the main roads in and around the Barbican are enumerated below:

1. Silk Street:

Silk Street is one of the central roads of the Barbican locality. It forms, or can be said to form the backbone of the area with the establishment of the Barbican Centre, Barbican Hall, and the huge Barbican Estate on it. It is a central road that links various cultural and residential landmarks.

2. Golden Lane:

It is a street passing through the Barbican Estate made up of residential blocks with bits of greenery. It forms a part of the architecture of the whole Barbican.

3. Aldersgate Street:

This locality lies just to the north of the Barbican and the ancient street is named after one of the old gates in the London Wall. It has mixed residential and commercial properties.

4. Goswell Road:

This road is on the western side of the Barbican, filled with shops, eating outlets, cafes, etc. It links areas like Barbican to areas such as Clerkenwell and Farringdon.

5. Fann Street:

Fann Street runs through the Barbican Estate. It is largely an avenue for residential blocks but also leads directly to the Centre of Arts — the Barbican Centre.

6. Whitecross Street:

Just off the Barbican, Whitecross Street has gained recent fame for the quality of its street food market and street art. It's a lively mixed-use area, residential and commercial space.

The roads and streets share the character and accessibility of the general surroundings of the Barbican area, which is embedded in a mix of cultural landmarks, residential spaces, and commercial activities. Every road has a history of its own that shares in the general appeal and prestige of the community of Barbican in London.

Best places to eat out in Barbican

The region of Barbican in London shows huge variation concerning eateries since the range occurs from simple eateries to fine centers of dining. Some of the best places to have your food out in Barbican have been mentioned below:

1. Osteria:

In the heart of the Centre, very impressive for pre-theatre dining or leisurely meals after an expedition around the Barbican, Osteria is the destination for contemporary Italian cuisine that spills out with flavors of seasonal ingredients.

2. Chiswell Street Dining Rooms:

This stylish restaurant-cum-bar—a stone's throw from the Barbican—serves up modern British cuisine in a refined setting and has built up a house reputation for hearty and comforting portions, backed up by a comprehensive wine list.

3. St. Bart's Brewery:

This beautifully historic building near the Barbican is a very well-known place, St. Bart's Brewery, offers classic British pub food related to the beer variety that has already been brewed inside. That is what gives a point to the relaxed atmosphere but with a feel of a buzz.

4. The Jugged Hare:

This gastropub, lying on the edges of the Barbican, is famed for its game and traditional British food. This kind of classic seasonal menu with roast meats and pies has gained a lot of publicity.

5. Smiths of Smithfield:

This is walkable from the Barbican. Their new a la carte at Smiths of Smithfield, with a rooftop terrace overlooking the panoramic view of London, offers you British dishes prepared only with the finest and freshest ingredients sourced locally. It's very famous for good steaks and burgers, too.

6. Malmaison Brasserie:

laid-back brasserie that commendably sets the scene for easy-going dining in the setting of Malmaison London, with a menu featuring European dishes matched by an adequate wine list.

7. Club Gascon:

Walking just a few minutes from the Barbican is Club Gascon, fine food exclusively forarahs of good food. This starred Michelin restaurant fronts contemporary French cuisine featuring local produce from Southwest France.

8. Pizza Express:

If you're looking for something a little more laid-back, wander around the corner onto Whitecross Street to find this Pizza Express. They have a variety of pizzas, backed up with some extra salads and Italian-style dishes in a family-friendly environment.

9. Caravan:

Just around the corner from Barbican, on Exmouth Market is Caravan, an eaterie serving food inspired by around the globe, in addition to specialty coffee. This is also somewhere good for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

10. Goswell Road Coffee:

Whether just for a quick bite or only a cuppa, Goswell Road Coffee has all sorts of sandwiches, salads, and pastries, along with various specialty coffee drinks to match.

These are only some of the options available to consider when one dines out in the Barbican area. There is a great variety to suit your best taste and preference—from Italian to British pub food, fine dining, and casual eating.

What our CEO, Mary Anne Bowring, likes about Barbican

I enjoyed seeing an art exhibition at the Barbican Centre. Then it was pleasant to sit outside, and I had a good view of the artificial lake.
 

Things to do in Barbican

The Barbican in London has various activities that one, as a resident or visitor can do. Among others, the following are some things you can do in the Barbican area:

1. Visit the Barbican Centre:

it is the cultural center of the Barbican with several things to indulge in, including the following:

o Art exhibitions: The Barbican Art Gallery hosts numerous and diverse exhibitions annually, including thematic contemporary art, and retrospectives.

o Variety shows: From the classical to the contemporary, experience for yourself a full spectrum of musical performances. On many occasions, it accommodates the London Symphony Orchestra.

 

o Theatre and Dance: The ensembles of works in the theater productions at the Barbican Theatre range from classic to modern with various dance shows to show the wide diversity, both of established companies and rising stars.

2. The Conservatory, Barbican Centre:

Set inside the Barbican Centre, this is London's second largest conservatory. This place is quiet and peaceful; it displays a range of tropical plants, trees, and exotics with fish counting its visitors.

3. Barbican Library:

If you are a bookworm, then you must visit the Barbican Library. They have a huge collection of books, DVDs, and CD collections. The ambiance is very peaceful and nice to sit beside, relax, and read books or newspapers.

4. Walk in the Barbican Estate:

The residential compound itself is worth visiting, comprising a unique Brutalist structure, beautiful landscapes, and interlinked walks. You could appreciate how the building has clean cuts in terms of geometry and assumes a relaxed ambiance.

5. Eat and Shop:

Some restaurants, cafes, and bars are on hand with food ranging from casual to fine dining. Inside the Centre itself, visitors may buy books, gifts, and many other items from shops.

6. Events and Workshops:

The Barbican runs various workshops, talks, film screenings, and other events within its program of activities, covering an extremely wide range of subjects—from the arts and culture to technology and society. Keep an eye on their schedule of events.

7. Other Local Attractions in Walking Distance:

The Barbican Centre is in the center of London. Walking distance to St Paul's Cathedral, the Museum of London, and Smithfield's Market creates another added benefit to the list.

From art and culture through to architecture or as an afternoon oasis of calm in the middle of London, there will be something for everyone at the Barbican.

Barbican - Cultural Scene

The Barbican in London abounds with activity of culture, and thus, finds a high-grade place in the most vibrant and eclectic cultural spaces of London. Here is a run-down of some of the major venues for cultural activity, and some of the events you can expect to view in the area that is the Barbican:

1. Barbican Centre:

o Music: As the venue of the London Symphony Orchestra, the Barbican Centre hosts a wealth of concerts—classic ones alongside contemporary and experimental genres. The Concert Hall of the Centre has earned impeccable acoustics.

o Theatre: The program of the Barbican Theatre encompasses a great number of various performances: contemporary theatre, dance, and various forms of experimental works. This is an important place for new and challenging productions.

o Films: The Barbican Cinema offers a wide variety of programs on themes such as classics, contemporary releases, and experimental cinema. It is known for its special screenings and film festivals.

o Visual Arts: There are in-house productions at the Barbican Art Gallery that involve leading artists and designers exploring contemporary and historical themes. It has taken a reputation for its original and ambitious exhibitions.

2. Barbican Conservatory:

o This tropical haven in the middle of the Barbican Centre houses more than 2,000 species of plants, trees, and fish. It is a peaceful, exotic escape that often has special events and guided tours.

3.  Barbican Library:

o This is one of London's largest public libraries, which boasts an extensive collection of books, music, and films with accompanying events and workshops for all ages.

4. Guildhall School of Music & Drama:

o_LEAD The Barbican_ This is one of the premier institutions in London, and—along with student performances—is home to professional musicians. The school's many concerts, recitals, and opera performances are frequently presented at the Barbican Hall and other spaces.

5. Exhibitions and Installations:

The Barbican also hosts a range of contemporary art exhibitions and installations that set new trends and challenge the perception of art. Check on the Barbican website for current exhibitions and those at any time in the future.

6. Talks and Workshops:

o Events: There are regular talks, panel discussions, and workshops by artists, filmmakers, musicians, and writers at the Barbican Centre and other venues. They are very interesting perspectives on how their material was created and relevant to current cultural affairs.

7. Outdoor Spaces and Gardens:

o The Barbican Estate has very well-maintained gardens and walkways, through which to take a leisurely walk. The estate itself and its gardens are also designed in such a fashion that interests people with an interest in urban design and landscaping.

8. Community and Family Events:

Another family-friendly destination, the Barbican offers events and activities program for children and families, besides workshops, storytelling sessions, and interactive installations.

9. Barbican Cinema:

o The Barbican Cinema boasts an esoteric film program of classic films and cutting-edge cinema for hosting powerful slates of film festivals and retrospectives.

10. Dining and Social Spaces:

The Barbican Centre incorporates restaurants, cafés, and bars if one needs to have a meal or drink before/after a show. People relax in the Foyers and outdoor spaces to enjoy the atmospheroe.

It's such a blend of arts, music, cinema, and community events that makes the Barbican onto every list of anyone remotely interested in London's cultural landscape. No matter whether a resident or a visitor, it is sure to be an exciting time in this cultural powerhouse.