Hampshire Trust Bank completes £10.92m funding for Stoke-on-Trent PBSA development

By Bridging Loan Directory 3rd December 2024

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has successfully completed a £10.92 million development finance facility to support the construction of a 202-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Stoke-on-Trent.

The project comprises a six-storey building with 202 one-bed studio flats, alongside a study lounge, shared lounge, gymnasium, games room, communal garden, and roof terrace—offering students modern, high-quality accommodation.

Introduced by Sarah Fisher, Managing Director of Kensington Shorre, the scheme involves an experienced developer specialising in North West development projects.

HTB collaborated with junior lender CapitalStackers, who provided a £1.525 million facility to support the development.

With practical completion scheduled for August 2025, to meet the September student intake, the tight timeline required rapid action to avoid delays.

Before the facility was finalised, the borrower had been using their own cash reserves to keep the project moving, making timely funding crucial to maintain momentum.

HTB and CapitalStackers acted quickly to ensure the construction programme was protected.

To mitigate challenges, HTB will work closely with the borrower and monitoring surveyor throughout the build programme.

This includes planning conditions relating to a local flood alleviation scheme which are being proactively addressed through contingency planning with the borrower and their student accommodation operator.

The scheme will provide vital, high-quality student accommodation in the centre of Stoke with excellent amenities.

Pippa Betts, Relationship Manager at HTB, commented:

“We want to thank everyone who has been involved in the funding of this scheme, all playing a critical part.

This includes the introducing broker, Sarah, who has been fantastic from start to finish, and worked ferociously to achieve the best result for her client.

As always with PBSA transactions, having a robust programme of works in place is crucial.

We’re confident that this is an incredibly capable client and contractor who’ll achieve practical completion in time for the 2025 student intake.”

Sarah Fisher, Managing Director of Kensington Shorre, said:

“This case was a real team effort, and the level of commitment, transparency, and determination from HTB, particularly Pippa, was nothing short of exceptional.

Pippa was always available, keeping us in the loop on progress and helping push things forward.

It was a great example of how to handle a complex case, and I look forward to working with HTB again.”

Andrew Dignum, Lending Director at HTB, added:

“This project demonstrates HTB’s expertise in delivering solutions for complex cases under tight deadlines.

By working closely with the borrower, broker, and funding partner, we were able to address potential challenges head-on, ensuring the project stayed on track.

The development will provide much-needed high-quality student accommodation in Stoke-on-Trent, and it’s a great example of how collaboration and a proactive approach can drive successful outcomes.”

Steve Robson, Managing Director at CapitalStackers, added:

“This is another fine example of how banks and small investors can work together with developers to get projects over the line.

CapitalStackers has now enjoyed working with HTB for several years, which has given ordinary investors the opportunity to get together and grow their capital through lending on property development and developers to access a much-needed additional layer of finance.

We look forward to many more successful collaborations with HTB.”