Developer secures £500m to accelerate regional pipeline
A £500m equity injection has been secured by Birmingham-based developer and investor, Sama Investments.
Significant funds have been secured from the Far East which will support the delivery of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and residential schemes across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
This includes the recently approved 710-student-bed and 546-home Garrison Circus regeneration scheme in Digbeth, an 184-student-bed scheme on Lawson Street, and an 85-home Brickworks Canalside residential scheme on Watery Lane Middleway.
Plans are also in for a 238-bed student scheme on the former Goods Yard, as part of a phased redevelopment of The Arcadian Centre.
Funding will help the group’s wider strategic approach of identifying PBSA and residential opportunities which could benefit from its specialist regeneration approach.
This includes stalled development sites that could be kickstarted, strained assets and buildings that require cladding, remediation upgrades, and futureproofing as well as new-to-market opportunities.
With a focus on the West Midlands market, Sama Investments’ pipeline includes other regional cities such as Sheffield and Nottingham.
Bilal Ahmed, executive chairman & founder at Sama Investments said: “This investment represents a vote of confidence in Sama Investments and our teams, but also the West Midlands as a home for international capital. The fundamental conditions which exist in the region are attractive to global investors.
“Whilst enabling us to deliver our pipeline, and take on new opportunities, we are also focused on creating long-lasting value for communities through exciting development and regeneration opportunities.
“This funding will enable us to deliver thousands of new homes and student beds at an accelerated pace, create jobs and support economic growth across the region.”
The announcement follows the creation of the group’s corporate advisory business, Sama Capital.
Kazi Hussain has been appointed managing director to spearhead the new firm alongside founding partners which include Bilal Ahmed, Executive Chairman, and Paul Squire, CEO and the former CEO of Al Rayan Bank in the UK, Sultan Choudhury.
Based in Birmingham and London, the business will offer corporate, real estate, and private debt advice, as well as help clients understand and access Islamic finance.
