A part-time concierge service, aimed at improving the quality of life for tenants in three city multi-storey blocks, began in February in Aberdeen.
The three-month night-time pilot project covers blocks in the Seaton district, and the city centre. Meanwhile, council officers continue to look at options for a city-wide concierge scheme, including looking at how technology could benefit tenants. Under the new scheme, part-time concierges will be located at Bayview Court, Northsea Court and Greig Court, seven days. The service will mainy cover evenings and the early hours of the morning, when residents tend to require most assurance. The service will be provided by contractor Monarch, which has experience of similar projects in other Scottish cities. All staff will be identified as Aberdeen City Council concierges.
What they say
Councillor Irene Cormack, convener of the city’s Community Services Committee, said: "We are investing a lot in this scheme, which we are hopeful will have a swift and very positive impact on the quality of life our tenants and others living in these properties enjoy. They can also play their part in being vigilant about who they allow into the building and working with the concierges for the benefit of themselves and their neighbours."
The project follows consultation with tenants, residents, council staff, elected members, Grampian Police and the concierge staff. There will be no charge to residents for the duration of the trial and the project will run at no cost to the council taxpayer – with funding drawn from the rent pool and antisocial behaviour monies. During the pilot, council officers will study of how the technology could support a citywide service for multi-storey blocks. A number of other local authorities have applied the use of wireless technology to provide flexible systems with far lower capital costs than previously achievable. The ability to monitor video signals from a number of blocks in one location may also realise a more sustainable staffing cost.
Director for Neighbourhood Central Pete Leonard and Director for Strategic Leadership Abigail Tierney will meet with the suppliers of technology for similar services in Leeds, Shoreditch, the City of Westminster and London Underground in the near future. In recognition of the fact this work is likely to take several months, the pilot scheme has been brought forward to address specific issues in selected blocks .
Cllr John Stewart, whose Berryden ward includes Greig Court, one of the pilot blocks, said: "I am very pleased to see Greig Court included in the concierge trial. Residents regularly contact me with concerns about the actions of non-residents who access the building, and this service will increase the safety and security of the block and give them some reassurance." The service will cost roughly £10,000 a month.
