Leaseholders, contractors and project leaders are celebrating the successful restoration of a historic landmark Georgian property in Whitby which has seen the prominent building given an impressive external facelift.
Pure Block Management have led the upgrade of the Grade II listed Kirbys building over the past 12 months, having been appointed by leaseholders to manage the property last September.
We immediately made the external refurbishment of the mid-19th century building and former hotel, which stands on Westcliff and overlooks the town in East Parade and out towards the famous Whitby harbour, a priority.
Communication with residents key
Laura Street, Associate Director of Pure Block Management, says the business ultimately acted as an intermediate between the principal contractor Gannon Developments, surveyors LHL Group, and leaseholders throughout.
With the building in a conservation area and home to leaseholders and tenants in 20 apartments over five floors, a focus was placed on ensuring minimal impact as scaffolding was erected and works carried out.
“We’re proud to say that the feedback has been positive from all parties, and the end result is the integrity and appearance of Kirbys being successfully restored, while preserving its heritage character,” she said.
“Works of this scale inevitably affect the day-to-day lives of residents, so clear, consistent and effective coordination were essential to the project’s success.
“We were effectively the intermediary between the principal contractor, the building surveyor, and the leaseholders and ensured we always provided a single point of contact, helping us to streamline decisions and keep the project moving.
“Importantly, residents felt engaged with and listened to throughout, which given they have had to live through increased noise and disruption, as well as restricted access at times, is really pleasing.
“We did this by ensuring queries and concerns were dealt with promptly, helping to reduce stress and maintain cooperation, and by providing weekly updates to keep leaseholders fully informed.”
Success demonstrates firm’s expertise
Ms Street believes the success of the project has cemented Pure Block Management’s reputation in managing and leading restorations on complex schemes, involving buildings of significant heritage, with people still living on site.
“This was a complex heritage-led scheme, requiring sensitive restoration of stonework, railings, and communal features,” she said.
“We had to ensure at all times that we worked to listed building constraints and complied with conservation regulations, retaining the heritage character of the façade.
“As ever with older buildings, we had to overcome some unexpected challenges, including unforeseen structural issues which were identified when we first started work, and needed immediate attention. Swift escalation and resolution of these issues avoided costly delays.
“Health and safety and resident safety were prioritised throughout, and the successful delivery of this refurbishment demonstrates the value of strong intermediary management.
“By prioritising compliance, communication, and cooperation, we ensured the project was completed safely, transparently, and with residents at the heart of the process. We are very proud of how smoothly it has gone.”
Praise for management of leaseholder expectations
Leaseholder Gill Clatworthy said they were delighted with the management of the scheme.
She said: “The regular updates and approachable style of Pure Block Management made a huge difference to residents living through the works. We always knew what was happening, why, and how it affected us."
Lee Gannon, director of contractors Gannon Developments, said: “From the initial meetings through to completion, Pure Block Management demonstrated clear commitment to quality, transparency, and compliance. Their ability to manage leaseholder expectations was a major factor in the project’s success.”
Jamie Gillies, Senior Chartered Building Surveyor at LHL Group, surveyors on the project, said: “Pure Block Management were fully engaged throughout planning, tender, and delivery phases. Their understanding of legislative and logistical intricacies was clearly evident and helped the project progress with minimal disruption.”
