Briggs Close, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1

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

The development is only 20 minutes walk (the busy main road can be avoided after a few minutes where there is a turning into a quieter area) to the centre of town with a very good range of shops, supermarkets, entertainment and eateries. The local train link is only a few minutes walk away, there is easy access to the motorway and plenty of bus stops. The main road is very busy most of the time which can make it difficult when trying to pull out from the driveway and can be noisy but luckily I’m situated at the back of the building which is generally very quiet. There is no guest parking so visitors have to try to find parking on side roads which is mostly only available after 6pm due to residents permits. The traffic can be extremely heavy all the way along this stretch as it’s one of the main roads into/out of Bath, especially during peaks times which can making walking unpleasant and trying to pull out into the traffic difficult but, as stated, it’s a very convenient location.

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

As you can see, anything I have reported has always been swiftly resolved.

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

There would be no guest parking, a long wait for utility bills so I don’t know how economical the heating is yet, no immediate coffee shop or mini supermarket on site but the team on site are great and really helpful, they go out of their way to organise events for the community to try to help people meet and make new friendships and have fun. It’s early days but it’s so nice to feel part of a community. I’m looking forward to more events coming up. Thank you to the team here.

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

15 min walk from City centre, 5 min walk to train station. A small supermarket in one of the commercial spaces would be brilliant, feel that is the only thing missing!

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

I have had a few repairs that have been carried out promptly. The team were able to replace the double bed for a king size bed, for which I am very grateful.

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

I wish I had known the council tax band, which is completely out of the landlords hands. For future residents, they would be able to provide this info.

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

Just a stones throw from Ancoats and New Islington marina we are surrounded by great food and drink options. Similarly Piccadilly train/ tram station is a 5 minute walk away meaning nowhere is out of reach from The Castings.

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

The lettings team have been really helpful when renewing contracts, maintenance teams have been quick to respond and resolve any issues.

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

The Castings put on lots of social events which are really fun and a great way to meet your neighbours

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

Nothing bad in particular , the good part is the location and shops and how close it is to Wellington square

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

The building management were amazing and the are easy to cooperate with

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

One thing I wish I had known before moving in is how sound travels between apartments. While the building is generally well constructed, you can occasionally hear noise from neighbours, especially during quieter hours. It’s not a major issue, but something to be aware of if you’re sensitive to noise. I’d also recommend checking how the heating and ventilation system works early on, as it can take a bit of time to get used to the settings and find what’s most comfortable. On the positive side, I wish I had realised sooner how responsive the building management team is, as it makes it much easier to deal with any small issues that come up. My advice to a new neighbour would be to report any concerns early and make use of the facilities, as they’re one of the best parts of living here.

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

Great location near the station and shops. The windows & doors block a good amount of noise out even in the middle of town. The car park is expensive but it feels safe and spacious.

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

One of the maintenance team, Ryan has been really helpful and quick to respond. My shower was getting blocked and he’s always come in and sorted efficiently. As a female living on my own this has been reassuring to know issues are sorted quickly.

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

I moved in to a 1 bed in my first year here and since being here I’ve moved into a larger floor plan studio and actually prefer it. Even though it’s a studio it feels more spacious and the views are beautiful - I’ve been lucky with the sunrises and sunsets I get in this part of the building! I wish I had seen this floor plan first.