Onwards, Upwards and to the Future

Happy Easter to all from everyone at Crown 

For Bulgaria and all other Christian Orthodox countries this weekend was pass over and next weekend is Easter, Easter its their most important celebration on the religious calendar and one of my favourite time of year, a time when all families come together.

Hirscher wins Bansko slalom

This season has been a testing one at the St John Village to say the least, but the resort as a whole has experienced near perfect ski conditions- possibly the best yet, since Bansko went international.  Visitor numbers to the resort as a whole, based on the feedback from other hotels and businesses and what we have seen for our selves, has been beyond expectations and with the season officially open until the 17th April, Bansko is well and truly on the winter resort map.

The men’s and lady’s downhill events were hugely successful and congratulations to Ulen, even given the loss of the lady’s Saturday events due to the extreme windy conditions. Millions  watched on TV and I think we can safely say Bansko is on the international events calendar. 

In addition, the development of new bars and restaurants in town means Bansko is likely to be back on the investment map and the future as we at Crown see it is bright, yes bright -  we believe in St John Village and in turn Bansko and for us St John Village is an integral part of Bansko’s future.

This season has been a mighty learning curve, and with the experiences we have been through at St John Village this year we are already actively preparing for next year and assessing what we need to put in place in order to minimize any repeat of the problems of this year.

To this end we have outlined the following bullet point headings with brief description of proposed actions.

Primary issues:

Water supplies: moving forward -working with water board and monitoring their progress and activities, trying to get assurances on system redundancies. Looking at BPP existing dedicated reservoir status and investigating if it is plausible to be brought on line to service the complex as a whole.

Hill / Park Pipework and system leaks: As we all know there are major issues here, but after our endeavors we are pretty confident with where the majority of these issues lie, where they coming from and how to resolve them. Mainly the cause lies in poor plumbing both in the original works and in works carried out at the Hill since the development went operational; therefore we feel that across the Hill and Park a general PPM strategy should be considered and implemented.

Pressure management valves- Park: At the Park one of the major problems has been the pressure regulating devices in the basements of each block, we have already replaced block A and Block C devices, and believe B, D and F should be considered for replacement as good PPM practice, we have had recently a situation in block C the Park when pressures went up to 8 bar and blow of plumbing fittings. And exposed serious flaws in the integrity of the pipework installation, also leading to a major leek with in a cleaners cupboard block C. 

Insulation: The extreme weather not only exposed weaknesses in the plumbing installation it also showed the woeful lack of integrity in the insulation, particularly on those service ducts set on the internal perimeter of the buildings, too many pipes are over exposed and liable to freezing even during normal winter conditions. It would be too difficult to hard lag all lacking areas in the pipe systems,  we feel that a program of soft filling the riser area with loose insulation, whilst pocketing the meters would offer the best and most effective protection and should be considered.

Drainage: In Block B Park we had a significant drainage blockage and as with most issues at the complex the problems are as a result of poor and or incomplete works, in this instance it was builders rubbish left in the system that allowed sewage to gather and finally block. This issue also highlighted that a full CCTV survey of the system is required in order to best identify any future problems and to prevent further similar issues.

Hill LCR: With the weather now turned and spring firmly in the air we shall commence our LCR document for the Hill complex as a whole, and plan to issue during May 2012

Roof: There are roof integrity issues right across the complex but they are particularly prevalent at the Park, however with the roof trace heating system in operation at the Park this season the impact was managed and additional ingress and apartment deterioration limited, however unprotected areas like block lobby entrance roofs did suffer water ingress and will need to be reviewed and repaired.

Cladding Timber/stone: Timber and stone cladding remain an issue for the whole complex - timber being a priority at the rear of block A the Hill and stone cladding at the Park, blocks C and B.

IPM coordination: Put bluntly a lack of cooperation and general resistance to working with our selves, most notably at the Hill, has made a difficult job even more difficult and increased the potential jeopardy for the owners and their investment. We would very much advise a move to a single service single provider situation and believe irrespective of the obvious business prejudice that others could draw from this, we genuinely feel this will guarantee the future of complex and provide the best management solution for all owners. To this end we have extended our 50% discounted offer to all payed up FM clients for another year, where at 130 euro / 110 pound per year it represents great value as well as good management sense.  

Insurance: Apartment and Buildings - as with the IPM there is a common agenda here.  A single negotiated provider would be in the best interests of the owners and complex. We have had a number of meeting in respect to claims with inter-sure these past weeks and have worked with them in the past, and believe they are the most mature and owner focused providers in Bansko right now, interestingly they have strong views on complex/building management and believe also that a single FM/IPM provider is the future and provides a more secure, structured and productive approach to property management in general.

Heating systems Hill: As most owners know there are more than a number of issues with the incumbent heating system to the Hill apartment, as set out in previously issued reports, however we have had significant success with those system where owners have entrusted us to repair and upgrade the system.  We believe a coordinated program of such works across the complex would be beneficial as the system is inherently sound and just need to be attended to properly. 

We are aware however that other IPM providers are offering Electrical Panel Heaters as a solution, whilst a potential solution we must say that it should not be considered with out a proper electrical integrity test to the relevant circuit being connected in to and the related circuit breaker serving the circuit is of the appropriate size and type, both the SC (starting currents) and FLC (full load current) of this system are completely different to that of the incumbent heating system, and not to perform such checks and by a qualified electrician is both irresponsible and derelict of the providers duty of due care. We all know all installation with in the complex are at best limited in scope and on the limit of what is fit for purpose ill conceived modifications not properly considered to any part of these systems could lead to dire consequences. Please if you have had such works completed request the providers electrical certificate of worthiness for the system/circuit taking the additional load and request they provide a written warranty for competence of the installation, and ask if they will also put in writing that they take full responsibility for the works. Exactly this type of irresponsible non professional approach to works and the clients property at the complex is why we have the mess we have now.  

Common area floor tiling: In both the Hill and Park the extreme weather and in particular the huge shifts in temperature combined with a lack of proper expansion provision and no use of flexible cement all further compounded by water ingress as a result of leaks, has resulted in a significant area of floor tiles across the complex having popped and a need for tiles to be reaffixed correctly with expansion provision correctly worked in. this is also true of the external areas and steps around the Hill, a program remedial corrective and repair is now being planned.

24/7 operation: Even though the complex was in a semi operational status the lack of 24/7 reception operation did present a lack of continuity to our service levels provision and we consider this essential if we are to move forward to a more fully operational status and serious lettings.

Security: Considering the situation, we work reasonably well alongside the UBB security however it is a compromise and as with 24/7 cover we believe we need to move towards our own security provision.

And now for the new stuff:

Yes there are a lot of issues and problems to deal with, prioritize and resolve - however we have a great mission and program of events and ideas which when implemented will add further value and potential to the complex.

Hill signage: shortly we will be installing our complimentary Hill signage to tie in with what we have already provided at the Park.  It will have a similar classic, stylish feeling, but have its own identity and look.

IT / TV / Cinema / telecommunication and internet solution: we have worked hard and gone to great lengths to prepare a design for a complete multimedia solution for the complex. We have aimed to future proof as far as possible and thus have derived a package that delivers a 150TB fibre supply that is totally IP based and gives the best  IT and TV complex solution and management system, that will offer live streaming movies, unparalleled internet access and a great security system and management tool. Once we have worked our way through all the technical aspects and fully understand its integration with the current infrastructure and driven costs to a palatable position we will be releasing a detailed proposal.

Crown Connect: in the mean time as of May via our Connect brand we will have a range of USB internet providers and wireless G4 packages available for hourly, daily or weekly hire from reception for owners and clients wishing to have internet in there apartment. Prices and availability on request, booking in advance via the reception email.  

Planting will included Japanese cherry my favourite
blossoming tree along side silver birch and indiginous
architectural pine like Mura 

Gardening / planting: As originally pledged we will be carrying out a planting and small land scrapping project out at the front of the Park and expect to plant during May assuming weather conditions allow. We will also be looking to tap into the underground water source as a way of limiting gardening costs, as we utilize the mountain relief stream. a program of seeding and ground leveling is also proposed where required. 

The scheme we are currently design will include indigenous plants and forest breeds along side carefully selected, world spring / summer / autumn blossoming plants and architectural trees.

Summer: With summer fast approaching and it being our favorite time of the year for being in Bansko, we are wish to encourage owners to get out here and enjoy everything that is on offer from mineral water swimming pools, mountain biking, horse riding etc and are presently working on a program which will include activities such as the Jazz Festival, wine tasting, wine tourism, Spa, history tours, horse riding and golf -where would arrange discounted rounds and access to Pirin golf facilities with a view of even possibly arranging a St John Village Golf tournament.

Crown Diamond Network: Mid summer and in time for the summer holiday season we will be launching the Diamond NW, this is a crown endeavor to collect some of the better Cafe’s restaurants, spa’s and other quality providers together, those business looking to raise the standards in and around Bansko, and make our FM, IPM and Interior clients a wear of them also offering discounts, priority booking and any other special offers.   

Condominium Act: A key step in the future of SJV and we must be clear on what we hope to achieve and the best solution for the complex now and into the future.  From the meeting I attended with Sara it appears there are more opportunities than we might have first realised and proper and full examination of these is essential.

Lettings: As with the Condominium Act a cohesive and targeted approach is needed that sets out our position in the market, Yana has collected all the necessary paper work for legalization and structure of the project, but if we really want to collectively and effectively market and sell the complexes to the full potential all aspects must be coordinated and presented as a whole.  This must included IPM, security, attendance, web site, lettings values, facilities etc, etc this is a big task and must not be underestimated, however where we position the complex now sets the value and potential for the future. To properly service and all other aspects of the lettings potential at the Village we have set up Crown Resorts as the brand front for the endeavor.

Making the OA stronger / Missing owners: The Block Captains initiative is working well and helping to create a real sense of community amongst the owners, Yana is at the municipality next week to see what further information can be found and we will issue an update on current owners schedule with an update on payments made and by whom.

Crown Interiors & Furnishing: We currently have some great projects under way and have completed some stylish designs and installations which we believe are setting the standards in respect to quality and appointment worthy of the St John Village, blog updates to follow shortly.

New Interiors Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Crown.Interiors.and.Furnishing

Dont forget we have our own sofa and sofa bed manufacturing facility so if you need to or are considering replacing that tied and uncomfortable unit take a look at what we can offer.

Crown Transfers: As always we are here to offer that more discerning and personal collection from the airport be it Sofia, Plovdiv or any of the Greek airports you might be considering, and can cater for 1 to 8 persons, prices and vehicles available on request. also during your time in Bansko vehicles are a valuable for hire with or with out a personal driver. 

Hot of the press we have just invested in a great little runner round for the complex our new Crown Smart, with the complex being over a kilometer long she will make apartment cleaning, linen changes and attendance to clients needs more efficient, she will also be available to owners and clients for short shopping trips and any other local needs at an all inclusive hourly rate, prices and bookings available via the reception email.

Crown St John Properties (coming soon): With more and more people visiting the complex of the street and inquiring out properties and generally showing interest in the complex we have decided it would be in the interests of those clients that wish to try and move there apartment on for what ever reason to offer a coordinated property sales endeavor wholly focused on St John Village properties in this we will have focus, knowledge and position something other agents will not be able to offer, full details to follow soon.  

As can be seen from above we are as a business wholly focused on St John Village and all its needs and are and will work tirelessly to bring the best and deliver on the best for the complex. Always looking for new ideas and way to best services all our clients needs.