ALVO Building Restoration

Location: ML11 7LZ

In February 2023 LCDT was approached to find out whether we would be interested in taking over ownership of the ALVO Building, comprising of 5 units. The ALVO board’s intention was to wind up the company, they did not have the energy or finances to carry out necessary repairs required to maintain the building and during COVID extensive damages had occurred while their premises were unoccupied. Over the course of 2023 other local organisations showed interest in taking over the building, however at a meeting held at CCI in June 2023 it was agreed sole control of the buildings should be passed to LCDT.

Project Timeline

2023

-It is agreed that LCDT will take ownership of the 5 business units previously owned by ALVO.
When fully occupied the income from the building was to bring in much needed income for LCDT.

2023

-Negotiations are carried out with insurance companies, in order to repair a leak in the building.
-The remaining months of 2023 are spent removing deck, fixing source of leak and installing new deck to upstairs flat.
-At the end of 2023 both toilets in unit 10a, now named 2b, experienced a catastrophic backup, adding more costs to an already expensive renovation.

2024

-Insurance negotiations come to an end and work commences on repairing the damage caused by the leak in no.2.
-Rural Academy vacates their premises as they are cutting costs.
-The Learning Academy vacates from the remaining unit and now all units are unoccupied.

2025

February
– Work on repairing the damage caused by the leak was completed and the new kitchen area installed.
March
– LCDT received the title deeds for the ALVO property and all paperwork has been completed.
– Window frames are painted and treated for damp and rot.
– LCDT decide to sell unit 2b (previously 10a) as the damage done by the toilets backing up was too costly on top of costs LCDT had already incurred. The sale of which will help recoup some of the funds spent on other repairs.
– Discussions start with energy providers over the contracts for the units, clarifying meter locations and usage. (ongoing)

2025

April
– Bloomgate units are advertised for rent along with the corner unit.
May- Remedial work is done to the outer stonework, to further improve the appearance of the building.
July
– Care and repair move into the largest unit, 2a Hope Street, and are able to do many repairs and decorating themselves.
August
– Decision is made to sell the units on the Bloomgate, due to little to no interest, further work would be needed to bring them up to a decent standard that LCDT couldn’t justify.
November
– Posh wee Pelican moves into the Corner Unit, No.2 selling customisable gifts and art.