Allsop, Emporium House

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

Absolutely amazing accessibility to everywhere. The train station is about an 8-minute walk, supermarkets are right around the corner, and there are great new open courtyards and various amenities available 24/7. You’re living right in the town centre, so everything is within walking distance—there’s a vibrant mix of restaurant choices nearby at The Oracle and even more at the local shops around it.

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

Let me start with the fact that everyone on the team is so friendly and polite. One time, I needed them to help me out with a grocery delivery while I was stuck late at the airport after a 5-hour flight. They received my order, put it into a trolley, and had it ready for me to collect from the concierge—it was a piece of cake.

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

I wish I had known more about the community activities before my move. I’ve started experiencing them more recently. It’s an absolutely beautiful community, and the neighbors are a group of really vibrant, nice people. I was able to make friends and find people who share similar interests, I never thought I would ever have things in common with my neighbours before.

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

Very close to town but noisy area. The facilities from town are really good and the building is very close to the train station for commuting or going into London etc. Parking availability is good for the overground however, you should have to park in your spot that is assigned to you rather than just parking anywhere as there has been instances where people have parts illegally and it's then hard to see if there's a space for you or not

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

With a long wait period however, when they do come to sort out, it's sorted to a higher standard

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

Wish I had known out quite how noisy it would be to live by the road and that people in communal spaces are not always respectful to the area

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

Super convenient location, close to the train station and bus links, near to supermarkets that are open late, as well as the high street and restaurants. Near a main road but not too noisy.

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

Always very quick to respond! Whether that is booking a yoga class, collecting a parcel, or handling a maintenance request. Special thanks to Matt and Pietro (sorry, I'm sure I haven't spelt that correctly) for always being quick to the call and friendly while they do it.

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

I really love that there are social events offered. I go to the yoga and try to go to other socials when I can. I feel like they've got slightly more kids focused on recent years and I'd like to bring back cheese and wine and quizzes!

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

In a good location for transport links and local shopping centres and restaurants, everything feels very convenient. The only downside is that nightlife is poor and there is a major homelessness problem (the homeless people aren’t the issue, but the council for not tending to them!)

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

I recently raised a complaint about our dishwasher on rent cafe and a lovely gentleman named Matt came to service it and help us out. He was helpful, kind and provided exactly the kind of service you need when something goes wrong in your home. If something else goes wrong, we hope to see him again!

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

Transport to and from London can be tricky on late nights, particularly Saturdays! So, if you’re moving here to save a little money on rent and spend time in London, you might come into contact with that issue.

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

area offers decent selection of dining, groceries , etc location feels safe close proximity to buses and reading rail station building not haunted by ancient evil spirits is a real plus

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

excellent - both response time and quality of service - special call out to Matthew & Piotr for going above and beyond

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

council tax costs ( yikes ) pre-furnished bed mattresses are...less than ideal - invest in padding over the mattress