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Specialist property finance brokerage Cator Wells Finance has successfully arranged a £5.2 million loan facility to fund Boxted Park, a pioneering new-build commercial development near Colchester. The deal overcomes significant funding challenges that had prevented the client from securing finance through conventional routes.
Securing funding for commercial developments remains complex, with many lenders unwilling to back projects unless they are fully pre-sold or pre-let. After struggling to secure finance elsewhere, the client turned to Cator Wells to find a bespoke solution.
The facility has been structured across two phases: an initial release of £3.6 million to commence construction and complete the first stage of the project, followed by an additional £1.6 million to finalise the scheme. This staged approach provides the flexibility and confidence required to deliver the development successfully.
The Cator Wells team conducted a comprehensive site visit, worked closely with developer Baahn Developments, and utilised their strong lender network to secure the deal. In a significant show of faith, the lender agreed to exceed its usual lending parameters, underlining its confidence in both the project and the delivery team.
Boxted Park is a 23-unit Class E business development designed around a striking agricultural-fusion theme. Units range from 955 to 1,992 sq. ft., with smaller flexible options starting from 433 sq. ft. The scheme combines cutting-edge architecture with landscaped communal areas, sustainable design principles, EV charging points, and solar energy integration, catering to businesses seeking eco-friendly workspaces outside busy urban hubs.
“This project is a textbook example of the value we bring,” said Daniel Dawson, Director at Cator Wells. “When others said no, we were able to draw on our network and credibility to arrange finance that simply wouldn’t have been achievable through standard routes. It shows that with the right approach, even the most difficult commercial developments can be funded.”
John Gow, Director at Cator Wells, added: “We’re seeing a real shift in demand for bespoke office and commercial space outside of the main city hubs. With more businesses adopting flexible working patterns, regional towns and suburban locations are experiencing a resurgence in demand for high-quality, modern workspaces. Projects like Boxted Park are vital to meeting that need, and we’re proud to play a role in bringing them forward.”
The transaction comes as the UK office market undergoes a period of transformation, with hybrid working driving demand for smaller, purpose-built developments in regional and suburban locations. Businesses are increasingly seeking premium, sustainable spaces closer to home while maintaining excellent transport links.
By arranging this facility, Cator Wells has enabled Baahn Developments to deliver Boxted Park with confidence, providing much-needed high-quality commercial space in a prime location minutes from Colchester, the A12, and direct rail services to London Liverpool Street in under an hour.