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Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

I noticed one of the Coliseum flats for sale today and thought folk might be interested to see what they look like inside. Full details here

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I had a friend living there... it is so noisy that even the double glazing windows weren't
enough. forget about having fresh air in your flat....

That's what I meant about modern buildings, and especially those thrown up by Paul Simon Developers around here. They cut costs on the materials in the walls, internal and external, and don't put in enough sound insulation. They also cut costs on double-glazed windows by using cheaper ones with a smaller gap between the two panes. They'll cut costs on anything they can get away with (on the thermal insulation, they are forced to adhere to legal standards), on the basis that the huge shortage of homes in London means people will buy almost anything.

I've been involved in selling some of Paul Simon’s developments over the years. I’ve also sold a few for clients’ who had previously bought them new and then moved on. I always thought their flats and houses were very well built (they have to adhere to Haringey Council’s strict building regulations) and they’re also exceptionally well finished. The Coliseum was developed a while ago... when glass bricks were en vogue!

I have an impression that The Coliseum is poorly built. If you observe the weepholes at the front of the building there is a large area where they go down to ground level. They are to drain off any water that develops on the damp proof and should be a minimum of 150mm above ground level to prevent rain bouncing off ground and breaching the damp proofing. The district surveyors from the councils that check for building regulations are a mixed bag. Most are very good and care but some are just punching time or haven't a clue. 

Harringay, meet Elan, proprietor of Winkworth's Harringay.

All modern flats - which may adhere to Haringey's standards - do not have to adhere to Parker-Morris standards. That's why they have such small rooms and so little storage space. But I wouldn't expect an estate agent to admit any of that.

Actually yes, I will admit to the fact that flats are typically small, compromised and lack storage space. Why wouldn’t I? I have to sell them, so of course I would much prefer flats to be larger, and well designed, without compromise and with more storage space. Perfect properties do exist, but they are rare and extremely expensive.  Yes, the world is an imperfect place, thanks’ for reminding us Christopher! Although, I’m sure you won’t let us forget.

The world is, indeed, an imperfect place, but cost-cutting, penny-pinching modern housing developers are making it worse. A return to the Parker-Morris standards would be a good first step, but that requires the political will. I agree with you that hardly any home is "perfect", but I do think that we could get a lot closer to a suitable, and decently sized, range of modern properties. I'm glad that you, as an estate agent, do admit that the rooms are small etc. However, experience shows that often the measurements given on properties for sale are, shall we say, a little on the generous side. One example: the width of a living room measured right into the alcoves either side of the chimney breast. Also, sticking your tongue out at me won't change anything.

Thanks for the compliment. I'm afraid that I don't understand what you mean about a "venus project". I think that I may be missing a cultural reference there, probably because of my age. I agree, you have to operate within the marketplace as you find it. I made the point before that the enforcement of minimum standards for quality, space etc in new housing is a responsibility of government, both central and local.

You're a determined idealist Christopher! Good luck to you. But I doubt you'll turn Harringay into the venus project. I am a mere salesman, and my scope of influence is small, but if there is anything you think I can do, let me know.

omg.... Sadly, I was curious at what these flats looked like inside... Fankooo Hugh, my fix of being nosey has been well recieved!!

I am a bit disappointed though, sort of hoped from remembering the old building (pre-pigeon nest) that it wouldve been grander and had some unique qualities... looks bland :(

What is intriguing is the length of time the retail units below have been vacant... Any idea what the problem is?

The retail premises was let to KFH who ummed and aahed about moving in and have now decided to sub-let (the issue is who they're thinking about subletting to and there's anther story for another time in what's being done about it!).

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