In the heart of Bloomsbury, a set of private flats had been left unoccupied for several years, posing a security risk and contributing to urban decay. The LOWE Group stepped in to provide an innovative property management solution that not only safeguarded the building but also supported local key workers and young professionals with affordable housing.
LOWE conducted a thorough inspection of the property to assess its current condition and current compliance before proceeding with the necessary refurbishment of the flats. These works, carried out by our in-house maintenance team, brought the flats up to full compliance, making them suitable for occupation by guardians. The property proved incredibly popular within our network, with all 31 carefully vetted guardians moving in just weeks after the launch.
During LOWE’s four years of management, the building remained fully secured, and antisocial behaviour in the area was significantly reduced. This allowed our client to focus on their development plans without concern for security or further deterioration of the property.
The flats have now been returned to the client within the 32-day notice period, in a better condition than when LOWE first assumed management.
Client Feedback
“Overall, we are very pleased by the property management service provided by The LOWE Group. A well-organised bunch, who are passionate about the service they provide to both landlords and guardians. The Team, from management to operational staff are very responsive and attentive. Excellent communication over the four-year period. The guardians are well vetted and behaved like model tenants. Any minor behavioural or housekeeping issues – on the odd occasion – were promptly dealt with. I have no hesitation in recommending their services.”
– Director of Estates
Licensee Reflection
“Mecklenburgh Square has long been home to artists, writers, and thinkers – particularly pioneering women – who shaped Britain’s cultural history despite challenging circumstances, as detailed in Francesca Wade’s Square Haunting: Five Women, Freedom, and London Between the Wars. At the turn of the twentieth century, Mecklenburgh Square was a radical address where these women pursued what Virginia Woolf advocated for in A Room of One’s Own – a domestic arrangement that enabled them to live, work and create as they desired. they were all determined to find a different, fair way of living, one in which their creative work would take precedence. As T.S. Elliot once described it: ‘London is an amazing place. One is constant discovering new quarters. This woman lives in a most beautiful dilapidated old square, which I had never heard of before, a square in the middle of town, near King’s Cross station, but with spacious old gardens around it.’
We see ourselves as part of this legacy. Many of us have moved from other cities and countries to contribute to London’s creative and cultural landscape.
Historically, these figures found refuge here during times of global upheaval, Mecklenburgh Square itself has witnessed and survived immense change. During the Blitz, it was heavily bombed destroying the homes yet it endured, just as its creative legacy has. After the war, the buildings were converted into student housing. Only with our arrival during COVID was this space once again opened to working artists. For us, these flats have been more than just places to live – they have been spaces for artistic growth, collaboration, and freedom. Unlike temporary residents, we have built lives and careers here, deeply connected to the history and inspiration of this square.
London’s artists are being pushed further to the outskirts, unable to afford the rising costs of the city that has long thrived on creative energy. Affordable housing in Central London is critical for ensuring the arts remain a core part of its identity, rather than a priveledge reserved for only the wealthy or transient individuals.
We hope you will continue finding inspiring buildings and help us find a way to continue living and creating in the heart of London.”
If you have a vacant property that needs securing or are interested in living with LOWE, we’d love to hear from you.