Multimillion-pound funding deal sealed for build to rent scheme

A Gatehouse scheme in Walsall

A deal has been struck to forward fund a £10.2m Build to Rent scheme in Walsall which is set to create 66 houses.

Gatehouse UK Private Rented Fund I, which is advised by Gatehouse Bank and in which the bank is a co-investor, has agreed the investment to fund the construction of the scheme at Raleigh Street comprising 23 two-bed, 39 three-bed and four, four-bed houses, which is being built by Vistry Partnerships.

Work on the Raleigh Street site in the Birchills area of Walsall began in September last year and is expected to be concluded by the summer of 2022.

The land was previously occupied by the Harvestime Bakery, which at its peak was one of the biggest employers in the area but has stood vacant for years after the business stopped operating in 2012.

Paul Stockwell, chief commercial officer at Gatehouse Bank, said: “Gatehouse has a proven track record of delivering much-needed homes around the UK by successfully investing in and managing Build to Rent schemes. This is another example of our intention to fund developments in the single-family housing sector, providing attractive, affordable and professionally managed homes.

“The Raleigh Street site has remained dormant for eight years so this is a fantastic regeneration opportunity that will provide a significant number of family homes.

“It’s been a great first deal with Vistry Partnerships and we look forward to developing our relationship with them.”

James Warrington, divisional managing director at Vistry Partnerships,said: “This is a large mixed tenure development opportunity for us in Walsall with great links to major nearby Cities. It represents a significant contribution to the new-build local housing market in the area and we’re delighted to be able to work with Gatehouse Bank on it.”

Colliers International acted as property advisers, and Dentons as legal advisers on the transaction.

Edward Marsden, senior surveyor in Colliers International’s BTR team, added: “This is an exciting first deal between Gatehouse and Vistry Partnerships, which will provide much needed, high quality rental accommodation less than a mile away from the town centre of Walsall. This union of investor and developer will be a winning combination for this location and hopefully in many more.”

Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news...
Close