VICTORIAN INVENTIONS | BELVEDERE | 1930s | MANSARD FLATS

Building works
The Park Court estate changed hands several times, but remained largely as developed until the mid-1980s, when the then owner built an additional storey on the previously flat roof, once the foundations had been underpinned to planners’ requirements. The new flats, within a slate-faced mansard roof, complement the original development, but have prevented Park Court from being awarded the ‘Listed Building’ status that we have been told it would merit otherwise. Park Court now comprises 72 flats, in nine blocks of eight.

Share of freehold
After a slow decline under an un-sympathetic landlord, Park Court residents formed a company and bought the freehold of the estate in 2002. New leases, together with a share of the freehold, were issued (or remain available for those who chose not to participate at the time).

Today
With freedom comes responsibility, so even if unencumbered by strict Grade II regulations, works to the estate are a balance of renovation and restoration. The estate is now run by a board of directors, all Park Court flat owners, elected by the leaseholders. The directors have instituted a programme of works to address the substantial maintenance backlog inherited from the former owners, whilst striving to maintain service charges at a reasonable level.

We are very serious about choice of materials, style and we source local suppliers where possible. In the grounds, drains have been replaced, new signage has been installed and work is in hand to improve paths and steps. All nine blocks have been redecorated externally and plans are being developed to restore the stairwells/ hallways to an appearance more appropriate to this significant 20th-century development. Works on the horizon include upgrading parking and recycling areas.

Questions, debate, vote
Residents are kept aware of developments by newsletter and are welcomed to contribute ideas. Park Court has a dedicated Yahoo! online forum to channel questions and debate, to access it follow the About Us link at the top of this page.