NEWSbeat
Russian delegation visits Bristol REGENERATION
Bristol’s Cabot Circus and Harbourside could be influential in the regeneration of the
Russian city of Tver, 100 miles North West of Moscow. A delegation from the city
visited Bristol as a part of a five-day study tour of several UK cities, organised by Colliers International, who are advising the Tver Administration on an economic and regeneration strategy for the next 25 years. Colliers showed the visitors
how Bristol has made the most of its opportunities for business and leisure regeneration using the attractive re-developments around the city centre as a prime example. Marcus Plaw, Planning
Specialist and Associate Director of Colliers in Bristol, hosted the delegation led by Richard Tibbott, Head of Colliers International consulting division. The delegation included
Igor Kolesnikov, Chief Town Planner of the City of Tver and Alexandra Ilina, Director of the Investment Programme Department. The group toured Cabot
Circus and Bristol Harbourside and Marcus Plaw outlined the planning process and its role in achieving urban regeneration and high quality development. Marcus said, “Town
planning has been fundamental to the growth and success of Bristol. This is reflected in the city’s architecture, heritage assets,
evolving employment base and overall attractiveness as a place of to live, work and visit.” The delegation from Tver
were particularly impressed by what they had seen in Bristol. Alexandra IIina, Director of the Investment Programme Department, said, “We would like to thank
Colliers International for the opportunity to see regeneration projects in Bristol. We also really liked how old industrial buildings are used in Bristol and of course we were very impressed by Cabot Circus with its interesting architecture solutions, combination of various levels and a transparent roof which, at the same time, does not restrict the access of fresh air.”
LETTINGS
TPO renews call for regulation
The Property Ombudsman, Christopher Hamer has used his 2010 Annual Report to make a fresh call for the regulation
of residential lettings agents. The Government has made it
clear that it will not introduce any new legislation regarding letting agents and Mr Hamer says he has seen the number of lettings offices voluntarily joining the scheme climb to almost 8,000; but he is concerned that agents who do not sign up to and adhere by the standards in the TPO Code of Practice can continue to operate: “Many agents conduct their
business by following the TPO Code of Practice but too many who are operating without that commitment to standards and without any external controls over what they do with client money,” says Mr. Hamer. “The Code of Practice represents a comprehensive set of standards by which firms conduct their business. I had hoped to gain accreditation from the OFT to further strengthen consumer confidence in the Code but I am disappointed that having submitted it to the OFT some three years ago I remain unclear as to when that endorsement will be given.” From this summer, the TPO
SERVICES Frozen Britain increases demand for boiler care
Since gas-elec launched its heat- care Plan this winter, there has been a significant increase in demand from clients for boiler breakdown cover that includes an annual boiler service. In response to this demand, gas-elec has re-launched the heat- care Plan with the inclusion of an annual boiler service. “For less than 40p a day, homeowners can have their boiler serviced and covered for 12 months,” says John Davidson, managing director of the gas-elec group. “The re-vamped product is as a
8 APRIL 2011 PROPERTYdrum
result of clients calling us to take out the cover and requesting that their boiler be serviced at the same time. It seemed logical to offer them an all-inclusive product at a greatly reduced price,” adds John. As a result, the combined
package means that homeowners make a one-off annual payment of
£140, which is inclusive of all taxes, and can rest assured that not only has their boiler been covered, but that it has been serviced too. The heat-care Plan gives consumers the security of knowing that their boiler and its components have full breakdown cover for 12 months. Key features include unlimited
calls to the call centre, the inclusion of parts and labour in the annual price should repairs be necessary and a national network of locally based engineers.
www.gas-elec.co.uk/heatcare.
Lettings Code of Practice will include a requirement for lettings agencies to hold a separately designated client account. “Whilst the Code of Practice is
not intended to be a substitute for formal regulation it would at least mean all letting agents would be following a comprehensive set of standards designed to protect the consumer. Consumers should therefore look to use an agent that displays the TPO logo – that means they are committed to operating fairly.” Ian Potter, operations manager
of ARLA, agreed, “We believe that the Government must look again at introducing regulation, in order to eradicate unprofessional, unqualified and unethical agents from the marketplace.”
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