Cass and Claredale Halls of Residence Association Limited

Cass and Claredale charitable Halls of Residence Association Limited is a not-for-profit organisation providing comfortable, affordable and secure accommodation for students studying in London

Association history
Cass and Claredale Halls of Residence Association Limited was registered in June 1990 under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965; it was formed by amalgamating Sir John Cass Halls of Residence Association Limited and the Claredale Housing Association Limited, both of which shared some common management.

The Association continues the work of the previous associations (which had been operational for eight years) in providing self-catered accommodation to primarily London Metropolitan University students at two sites, Sir John Cass Hall, Hackney (131 places) and Claredale House, Bethnal Green (265 places). All students are accommodated in single study bedrooms.

The Association purchased the freehold of Claredale House from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets in 1997. Sir John Cass Hall is leased from the Sir John Cass’s Foundation for 99 years (until July 2080) at a peppercorn rent.

The Board
The Board is made up of voluntary members and has overall responsibility for the Association’s affairs. All Board members have a wealth of managerial, business, property and financial experience.

The Chairperson of the Board is Mike Goodswen.

Developments
Sir John Cass Hall
Work on a major project to extend and refit Sir John Cass Hall was completed in November 1999. The work, costing £1.4 million, extended the existing building and fitted residents’ kitchens throughout, providing an additional 29 rooms and converting the accommodation from catered to self-catered.

This was funded by a 5-year, £824,000 fixed-interest mortgage from Abbey National and £550,000 from the Association’s reserves. London Metropolitan University acted as guarantor against £500,000 of the £824,000 mortgage, with security on the remainder of the loan based on the freehold interest of Claredale House.

Claredale House
In 1997, the Association bought the freehold of Claredale House from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

This freehold acted as security for a 25-year £1.8 million mortgage with Abbey National (this was repaid in full in 2006), which was taken out in 1997 to complete a £1.5 million major refurbishment of Claredale House.

Personnel
Chief Executive, Allan Hilton, is responsible to the committee for the strategic direction and management of the Association. Company Secretary, Chris Plumley is responsible to the Board for legal and financial matters.

Chris also assists the Chief Executive, providing statistical, financial, research and administrative services, particularly in connection with future developments.

Both halls have experienced Resident Managers, who ensure the smooth running of the buildings while dealing with the day-to-day needs of the Association’s residents.

Finances
Summary of the Association's operating surpluses and income, years ended 1997 - 2004

Rents
The policy of the committee of management is to determine rents which students can afford, while maintaining the accommodation at an acceptable level and ensuring the long-term viability of the Association

Student rents are paid termly, in advance and are inclusive of water, gas and electricity. The weekly charges for a standard room are noted below.

Rent charges
Academic years 1996/1997 to 2007/2008

(a) Following refurbishment of Sir John Cass Hall, catering discontinued.

Further information
For further information about the Cass and Claredale Halls of Residence Association Ltd, please contact:

Allan Hilton
Chief Executive
Sir John Cass Hall
150 Well Street
London
E9 7LQ

T: 020 8533 2529
F: 020 8525 0633
E: allan.hilton@cassandclaredale.co.uk