River Towers/Atkins Hall anyone?

Little Old Me!

Morning all,

Just wondering if any other boards members on here living in river towers/atkins hall on the lee road?

Sorry guys maybe I should have been more specific - i live in river towers and we're having problems with services - no rubbish being collected, no cleaning, no grass cutting - to name but a few and i wondered if anyone else on here lived in the same development and might want to get together to form a Residents Association to try sort these issues out.

mod's feel free to edit or delete if necessary

Little Old Me!

jeez guys 42 views but no replys, i've edited my original post so hopefully that'll help with replies....

FTGFOP

What's your broadband like, out of interest?

Commiserations on all your problems, sounds dreadful. Good luck with organising a group. Have you done anything on your own? Like contacting Threshold and asking them what you can do?

Little Old Me!

Little Old Me! wrote: »

Sorry guys maybe I should have been more specific - i live in river towers and we're having problems with services - no rubbish being collected, no cleaning, no grass cutting - to name but a few and i wondered if anyone else on here lived in the same development and might want to get together to form a Residents Association to try sort these issues out.

mod's feel free to edit or delete if necessary

Would it not be easier to throw a note in every letterbox in the complex, surely that's a more likely way to form a residents association.

Little Old Me!

RoverJames wrote: »

Would it not be easier to throw a note in every letterbox in the complex, surely that's a more likely way to form a residents association.

there are over 100 apartments and over 6 different doors with security codes in place so that's not really an option as i wouldn't have access to letter boxes - i did think of asking the postman but reckon that would be a bit cheeky!

i have done up a few notices to stick on doors and notice boards, just thought i'd chance my arm on here - a good a place to start as any!

Padraig Mor

Err....there is a Residents Assoc / committee / management committee / whatever already. All residents should have got a letter last week outlining that the management company was suspending all services (maintenance, waste collection, etc) due to the many owners (approx 50% I believe) who have not paid management fees. Don't live there myself BTW.

They should refund the management fees to those who have paid so on a pro rata basis according to which services are not being provided. Although what they should do is provide all services and get debt collectors to look after those who haven't.

Padraig Mor

RoverJames wrote: »

They should refund the management fees to those who have paid so on a pro rata basis according to which services are not being provided. Although what they should do is provide all services and get debt collectors to look after those who haven't.

I'd imagine they'll say it's already been spent on providing services so far! I beleive they are legally pursuing those who haven't paid but the problem is getting court dates.

normabrady

i own an apt in atkins hall- meeting re: above problems in clarion cork at 6.30 this tues the 31st aug- please attend as it's very imp. we try sort things out up there!

Dan Dare

I don't live there but best wishes for your meeting tonight. Hope you get a decent turnout.

Padraig Mor

<snip>

If people haven't paid their fees, how are they meant to pay the service providers??!! Have you paid your fees?

el Bastardo

That's right: No money is no money and getting into debt to provide services would be bad management. Complaining won't magically make it better.

Little Old Me!

thanks everyone for the replies

MacCruiskeen

Hi guys, any news from the meeting? Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it.

el Bastardo

Guys, I was at the meeting, but couldn't hang around to get details on committees etc. Can you please PM me?

pampootie

we've had two bikes stolen last night...one was in the underground carpark and one was chained to railings. they've offered to look at the cctv but since they're not turning on the lights at night anymore, i dont know what they're expecting to see :rolleyes:. has anyone else had anything stolen since the services were cut?

jenniej

Hey all, I'm looking in to renting in river towers and i came across this thread, just wondering if anyone knows if there is still issues with refuse collection? and what River Towers is like to live in general? thanks in advance for any feedback

The_Banker

Massive fire in part of the complex tonight (Atkins Hall). I believe it was part of the building that was not developed.

StereoLove

The_Banker wrote: »

Massive fire in part of the complex tonight (Atkins Hall). I believe it was part of the building that was not developed.

Nope, it was derelict for some time

Amnesiac_ie

They don't call it Fawlty Towers for nothing!

Little Old Me!

jenniej wrote: »

Hey all, I'm looking in to renting in river towers and i came across this thread, just wondering if anyone knows if there is still issues with refuse collection? and what River Towers is like to live in general? thanks in advance for any feedback

Glad to have some positive feedback, the development has improved a lot since my last post. The property agent is no longer and the residents are taking control of the development, all problems are being seen to i.e. lights are now all working, rubbish is collected.

So all is getting better, we like living here it's a really nice place with lots of green areas for the kids to play and sit out in nice weather, also great fun in the snow! It's a quiet area the majority of the time.

mdillon

Hey guys,

First of all, not have the rubbish collected is disgusting. I was thinking of renting place in Atkins starting Mid-July. I don't know why, but i like the idea of living there. Can i ask for your honest opinion if its a good idea or not.

Thanks

Micheal

zilog_jones

Can anyone give an update on Atkins Hall/River Towers? Are things still going OK there? Are the two sites managed in the same way? Is UPC available there?

NicoleL88

Did anyone in River Towers have a guy call on Monday night to check the fire alarm? I thought it was a extremely odd since is was after 8pm and he had no ID.

I didn't let him in as I was by myself, and then ten minutes later he came back and kept knocking on the door.

Ps: Is anyone else having severe mould/mildew problems?

zilog_jones

Happened to me a few weeks ago, but we got notices in our postboxes in advance that there'd be someone checking the fire alarms. You should check with the building manager.

ismisebridget

Hi guys,

Can anyone give me an honest opinion about what Atkins Hall is like now?
Is there safe parking? What are the residents like? Any problems with refuse or maintenance? Would you recommend it?

Thanks :-)

little.rose

ismisebridget wrote: »

Hi guys,

Can anyone give me an honest opinion about what Atkins Hall is like now?
Is there safe parking? What are the residents like? Any problems with refuse or maintenance? Would you recommend it?

Thanks :-)

hi there. I have an apt in River Towers, the building directly behind Atkins Hall. I've had it leased for a year with no problems at all. The residents took it all in hand and have done a great job. The apts in River Towers are quite large. I loved living there myself but had to move. There is parking for Atkins Hall in front of the building and in a carpark behind the building which is covered. I guess the only thing I would ask about is estimated heating costs, as Atkins Hall apts have high ceilings.

Everyone is counting the pennies at the mo and services are selected carefully. Having said that, a few times the residents came out and did work themselves. Hope that helps!

ismisebridget

Thanks Little Rose

qwerty88

Hey guys,

Was up lookin at an apartment in Atkins Hall today. It's front facing so the windows are the original ones because of a preservation order. Just wondering if the apartments are cold and what the average cost of heating would be as it had big enough rooms and a good few windows.

Thanks in advance.

Reece76

Hi Qwerty,
I would be seeking the same answers as you are. I was also there 4 days ago and that is the only question bothering me. Have you found any news or does anyone here know anything?
Regards,

rainbowdrop

I don't live there, but have friends that do and I've often spent the night there (Atkins Hall) and my advice would be, if you can afford to rent somewhere else, then do!

Their apartment is FREEZING, and both bedrooms have problems with damp/mold. You can smell the damp as soon as you enter the apartment. The ceilings are high and the storage heaters are very expensive to run and inefficient to heat the place. Not sure what their electricity bills are exactly, but I know they are quite high.

They are going to stick it out for the summer, but are hoping to have moved before next winter.

qwerty88

Hi Reece.. I've heard a lot from a few people that live there in private messages. They say to stay away. The rooms are very expensive to heat and dont keep in the heat at all. Im a cold person so this would never do for me. I've gotten another apartment somewhere else. Hope this helps.

little.rose

hi there, Atkins hall is a very old building with high ceilings. It's naturally going to be cold. The top floor is a newer lay out so may be okay.

River Towers is a separate building, more modern and very comfortable. Best of luck!

Reece76

Thanx Rose.
Appreciate ur help

Luna4

Hi everyone,

Could you pls advise me abt Atkins Hall? we are viewing apt there in few days and after online research of this place i have mixed feelings. the history of the building, the opinions abt damp, cold and debris around scare me off. But all the reviews are found are at least 4 years old.Can anyone please say what it is like there in 2014? any children there? its a brill location, in a city centre yet a bit isolated, but i want company for my 8 year old and want her to play outside safely. thank u

angeline

Luna4 wrote: »

Hi everyone,

Could you pls advise me abt Atkins Hall? we are viewing apt there in few days and after online research of this place i have mixed feelings. the history of the building, the opinions abt damp, cold and debris around scare me off. But all the reviews are found are at least 4 years old.Can anyone please say what it is like there in 2014? any children there? its a brill location, in a city centre yet a bit isolated, but i want company for my 8 year old and want her to play outside safely. thank u

The apartments are meant to be cold as obviously the building is very old but also the windows are the original ones. I am sure you will hear different views but I think you could do much better regarding a place where your child could safely play. I'll think further about it and get back to you with suggestions . I would think Lee Vista would be safer, it is gated and has a green area. I would prefer it there with a child tbh.

angeline

Probably too far out for you but the Old Quarry apartments in Ballincollig are very good. It is a quiet small gated development that seems to be trouble free.

Luna4

thx guys, the issue for me and my family is that there almost no houses with rent allowance acceptance. if any appears, the competition is so high that we might never be chosen by the landlord/agency. We have been trying for accomodation for weeks now and we werent chosen. Agents say different things, they never get bk to us, absolute nightmare. we live 350km away from Cork now... viewing houses every week and then waiting for being selected as best tenants is just ridiculous. atkins hall is perfect location, sundays well girls school is only 10mins walk from UCC. I have mixed feelings abt the building itself and surroundings but the houses under 900e are not great either... there is no guarantee there will be nice children in neighbourhood. There has been so many apts in atkins hall, im hoping it looks more homely now rather than gloomy asylum. the apt on daft in there got rented within 24hrs...can not be that bad then...

ilovesmybrick

I've been living there for the past two years. It can be quite cold in winter, its storage heating and the internal ceilings are about 12 foot, add 6 foot single pane windows and you get the idea. For the price the apartments are decent, especially the ones that were privately owned.

I don't know about kids, but there are a few small children and toddlers around the place on weekends. Personally in 2 years I've never seen any trouble up here. The main selling point for me has always been proximity to UCC and parking. Some of the apartments are on 3 month rolling contracts, so if you get one of those it could be useful for getting your bearings before finding somewhere more suitable.

Luna4

thank u, if ur living there u should know if the whole building is done up and if its clean around. can u access mile avenue and blarney st through the back of the building or u need to get to Lee rd? thx a mil for the info

ilovesmybrick

Half the building is done up, thee was a fire about 5 years ago that damaged a large portion of the building. They are beginning to fix up some of the damaged areas currently as new investors came in, but there is a 24 hour security presence by the damaged area so its not really an issue. The Lee road is the only access to Blarney street.

Luna4

right, its just when u google this place all u get is the haunted former asylum. i cannot get rid of this image n all i imagine is my daughter playing around the remainings of a nuthouse, abandoned scary church and stuff and that the rooms in the apt will look like wards and cells. too vivid imagination i think lol the apt that we are to take is on the ground floor and its not ready yet, i didnt see it in the photos, maybe this is why my imagination doesnt switch off accessing blarney road i meant on foot, going through the side of the building would make the distance much shorter. when i looked up the satellite pic it looks like it would be possible to walk to the shanakiel road/ ashboro etc to get to strawberry hill (thats where the girls school is) thx again Ilovesmybrick, ur posts are very helpful and heartwarming

B.boy2014

Luna, I was wondering if you have proceeded in your plan to rent at Atkins Hall. Looking at possibly renting here also and interested to hear your feedback.

Also does anybody know what is the plan for the development of the remaining part of the building and surrounding areas. Has anyone seen any developers plans?

Luna4

hi, no last minute i found lovely small house with gas heating and little backyard. Im happy i didnt take it as it would be so far to my daughter's school and city centre where i work. them highly ceiling and electric heating really put me off. no washing will dry up in the winter time there. plus no children there so im happy im not there, i like southern part of the city more. good luck

Luna4

hi, no last minute i found lovely small house with gas heating and little backyard. Im happy i didnt take it as it would be so far to my daughter's school and city centre where i work. them high ceilings and electric heating really put me off. no washing will dry up in the winter time there. plus no children there so im happy im not there, i like southern part of the city more. good luck

ilovesmybrick

Hey b.boy
I've been living here for three years. Ups and downs as with anywhere. If you want a chat and a look send me a pm

Reece76

Hi Guys,

All i can say is it is good in Summer but in winter you will definitely freeze. Even extra heating wont be adequate especial if you have children. I wouldnt worry about security as it is manned 24 hours with guards on-site. I lived there until 2013 so I know what Im talking about. The electricity bill will sky rocket and it is storage heating which considering the high ceilings is never enough so u need to use the booster switch. I reckon you know where im heading to.

Cheers

Tenantt

It has been a long time since the last post here.

From what I can gather, the major issue with Atkin's Hall concerns cold and heating bills.

Has anything changed in this regard in 2022?

Can anyone living here now/recently advise on any potential issues to be aware of for prospective tenants in River Towers/Atkins Hall?

For example, structural/damp issues in either apartment complex, length of time to walk to city centre, internet providers/speeds, amenities close by, lighting, anti-social behaviour, noise from other apartments etc

sw59td

Would be good to know as there are a couple going for sale in Atkins Hall

CatDunn39

Hi, current AH tenant here. Everything has been going downhill over the years of us living here. There is no security on site, car and bike theft instances in the past year have happened.

It is extremely cold. The original windows are not replaceable but they are also not willing to refurbish them or do any maintenance therefore you will find some apartments, like mine have massive gaps and holes in the windows.

Management is definitely worsening. Maintenance is very difficult to obtain. We are without proper heating for over a week now in - temperatures. Painters never returned to finish painting rooms. Mould everywhere, books, clothes, on walls, furniture, literally everywhere no matter how much you heat. Black mould, white mould, you name it. It’s all here. Waited 3 + months to have old rotting fridge replaced.

Fire alarm going off at random. These are industrial style alarms, 3-4 per apartment in the middle of the night sometimes. Sometimes more than once.

I know rental market is horrible, but I would not wish these living conditions on anyone. It is beyond ridiculous landlords get away with this. We are looking for alternative accommodation, without luck so far. There will be some poor souls who will rent here after we are gone though.

sw59td

What is it like in River Towers?