Grainger, The Forge

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

We have had a fantastic 5 years living at the Forge. It is very central and near many bus stops in central Newcastle and the metro. Of course the station is only a 10 minute walk away as well which has been fantastic for work and travel. Although the trainline is nearby the soundproofing is very good and we have never had any issues with noise. Only a 15/20 minute walk from central town so have great access to food and drinks venues. I cannot comment on parking as do not drive and am unaware of the situation

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

We have had very few issues other than the occasional flat repair or lost keys. Front desk helpful and quickly resolved our problems. Regarding repairs we had our oven and washing machine stop working on separate occasions and within days we had brand new ones delivered and installed without issue

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I cannot think of anything I would have liked to have know. We shall be very sad to leave after 5 years of renting at the Forge and would highly recommend

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

It is close enough to walk into the city centre (an 8-minute walk to Newcastle central station) and the quayside but far enough away that it generally does not feel busy. My flat faced the courtyard, so it was usually quiet. If it was completely silent, you could sometimes hear trains in the distance, but they never bothered me.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Overall, the management team responded quickly to any issues I raised. The only real downside during my time there was the internet. I once went about a week without service. Although this was an issue with the provider rather than the on-site team, I think Grainger could consider a more reliable provider in the future!

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Residents get 10% off at Sanco (pizza place) and gym classes are great

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

It’s always clean and never had any problems. If anything needs fixed it does straight away! I just wish there was a shop close

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Promptly and swiftly. Had an issue with the dishwasher and washing machine and was sorted the next day

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I knew how cold it gets in the winter in these flats and how hot in the summer!

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Great central location, no free parking but carpark opposite (a little pricey), council tax expensive

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Building management itself at Forge is friendly and good just Grainger is run quite badly as a company, hard to get hold of anyone about renewals or contract problems, viewings are a nightmare to book and get any response. Very pushy for money

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Can't think of much, maybe go to the resident's events?

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The facilities offered are great gym, a relaxing lounge area, well-maintained recreational spaces. The common areas are clean and inviting. No traffic noise and local to main train station

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The team is always available to help and assist you .

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Nothing. Everything was accessible through the app