Birmingham financier backs harbour regeneration project
A project by a Stourbridge-based developer to turn two former dockside sheds into a dining, retail and leisure destination is now underway after securing a multimillion pound investment from Birmingham’s Frontier Development Capital.
The funding package supports Cordwell Leisure Developments to kick-start the large-scale regeneration of 14,000 sq ft of space at BoxHall at Welsh Black Bristol, formerly industrial buildings, dating back to the early 1900s – turning the site into a restaurant / food hall and events venue, located near the city’s historic harbour.
Scheduled to open in the spring next year, the project will become the home of BoxHall by BOXPARK, London’s famous food and events concept in its first foray outside the capital, set to create around 100 jobs in the city.
Founded in 1989, Cordwell has a track record in delivering nationwide commercial property developments and regeneration projects for leisure, retail, and mixed-use schemes including Fiveways Leisure and Regency Wharf in Birmingham, The Ropewalk, Nuneaton and Swan Leisure, Hampshire.
Tom Wilcox, director at Cordwell Leisure Developments, said: “This finance from Frontier Development Capital enables us to move forward on this exciting scheme in Bristol and deliver a vibrant leisure destination, adding to the city’s already thriving restaurant and dining offering.
“The project is a prime example of how we can create a new legacy for historical buildings and give them a role to play in their cities today. With work due to be underway next month, and a completion in early February with fitting out for opening occurring for Easter next year, we’re looking forward to realising our vision of BoxHall.”
Gerald Gannaway, investment director at Frontier Development Capital, said: “Cordwell’s track record placed it in a strong position to deliver this scheme for BOXPARK in Bristol, so FDC is proud to play its part in making this happen. Unlocking this substantial debt funding gives the project the capital it needs to move at pace, transforming the existing warehouse structures into an enviable dining, retail and food destination for visitors later this year.”
The Cordwell team includes Bristol-based AHR Architects, Curtins, RPS, Rose Consulting, Gateley Legal ARC Retail and Avison Young.
