We have attempted to cover all the questions you might have. Please scroll down for a full selection. However, should we have missed any element you consider important we would like to hear from you, so we can add further questions and answers to the website for the benefit of all tenants and owners

Questions relating to the financial elements of the Stuart Tower Development project

How has the process been financed to date?

The process to date has been funded out of the Stuart Tower contingency fund and has not been taken from the Service Charge fund

How will the development of the flats and the garden be funded?

Once planning permission is obtained, property developers will be invited to tender. The full costs of the development will be borne by the selected developer

What will be the basis of the selection of the developer?

Our choice will clearly be based on the developer that offers Stuart Tower the best return. However, we will also take into consideration their track record in terms of responsible, considerate development work and their proposed use of environmentally sustainable materials

What will happen to the funds raised from the developers?

The funds will go into the Service Charge 'pot'. The intention is to use these funds to complete the major refurbishment works including the window replacement project and to reduce the service charges substantially during the period of the build

By how much will the service charges be reduced?

This will depend on the price paid by the selected developer. It is the Board's intention to maximise the income, so that residents will benefit from generous reductions

Questions relating to the development of the Stuart Tower Spa

How will the Spa Operator be selected?

We are working with a Leisure Development Consultant who will help in the process of inviting and considering tenders from established spa operators.

What will be the cost to Stuart Tower of establishing this facility?

There will be no cost to Stuart Tower, but there will be an enhancement in the value of the Stuart Tower estate and of individual flats and an up-to-date Spa facility for residents to enjoy at reduced prices.

What will be expected of the chosen Spa Operator?

The operator will pay all the costs associated with the construction, fit out and operation of the facility. In return the operator will be granted a lease and Stuart Tower would charge an annual rent.

What kind of rental would be expected from the Spa Operator?

Rental income in year one is likely to be waived to take into consideration the initial investment from the operator. It is anticipated however that a substantial contribution to Stuart Tower funds would be accrued from rental income estimated at around £60,000 in year one, rising to around £150,000 in year five. This would offer a further opportunity to reduce service charges

What happens if the Spa Operator goes out of business?

Stuart Tower would retain the freehold ownership of the building and should an operator not remain as a tenant, then the Spa building would revert to Stuart Tower. A portion of accumulated rental income will accrue to provide financial cover in the event of a period of time without at Spa Operator in situ. The Board is also looking into potential insurance cover for such an eventuality.

Questions relating to the build

How long will the building work take?

It is anticipated that the build period will be approximately 9-12 months from start to finish

When is the refurbishment programme (specifically window replacement) scheduled to start?

Our intention would be to run the two projects concurrently to minimize the period of disruption. It is currently anticipated, subject to the necessary planning permissions, for work to commence in July 2008

What steps will be taken to keep disruption to a minimum?

Part of the selection criteria for the developers and contractors will be their track record in considerate construction processes and clear guidelines will be built into the contract to ensure that resident's are minimally disturbed.

Will car parking be affected?

There will be little or no disruption to present car parking arrangements

What additional security measures will be taken during the build period? TBA

In the event of any problems during the build period who should residents contact?

Hayward's Property Services will be the first point of contact for any issues relating to the development or the refurbishment programmes. Giles Mason, Haywards Property Services on Day tel: Night tel:

What are your plans for informing the occupants of neighbouring buildings about the plans?

We are planning consultation meetings with neighbours on 1st November 2007

Above: Wellbeing Centre project 3d Sketch Views for more click here

Questions relating to the Wellbeing Centre

Will the Wellbeing Centre be free of charge for residents?

As part of the negotiations with the selected Spa Operator, we will be seeking a reduced annual subscription for tenants

Will the Wellbeing Centre be open to members of the public?

Yes. The Wellbeing Centre will be run by the Spa Operator along commercial lines and will have a separate entrance from the main road