The hotel development project will rejuvenate three dilapidated mixed-use retail/office buildings on Princes Street, with views over Edinburgh castle. The bridging loan provided will facilitate the purchase of a third adjacent property which will form part of the hotel development plan. The borrower has received planning permission to redevelop the three retail units into a 347-bed hotel, with an agreement for lease already signed with an international hotel operator.

The project was subject to a tight deadline of four weeks, and as a Scottish transaction, it required engagement with law firms practicing Scottish law. In accordance with Blackfinch Property’s commitment to sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria, the hotels development target is to be net zero carbon, constructed using sustainable materials and building practices.

Nicola Mayes, Investment Manager at Blackfinch Property, said: “We are pleased to be funding this exciting project which will bring several vacant buildings back into use. The borrower’s plans for this project closely align with our own ESG principles of developing energy efficient property and improving the quality of existing buildings. We are also pleased to have been able to forge a new relationship with this borrower, and being able to contribute towards this project which has helped to develop and broaden our in-house legal expertise, and boost our presence in Scotland.”

Blackfinch Property is a fully funded provider of innovative short-term bridging and development financing solutions. For more information, email propertyenquiries@blackfinch.com.

About Blackfinch Property 
Blackfinch Property is a fully-funded provider of innovative short-term bridging, commercial, buy-to-let and development financing. As an independent company, it offers an efficient and flexible approach to lending, standing in contrast to the more rigid criteria restricting institutions. Region and sector agnostic, the team takes a pragmatic approach to provide cash quickly and with more certainty. This enables borrowers to complete on transactions and developments with more ease, and keep the focus on their property. 

About Blackfinch Group
Blackfinch Group is an award-winning investment specialist and trusted provider. Employing more than 140 full-time employees, it has a heritage dating back more than 25 years. The group provides tax-efficient investment solutions, managed portfolio services, early-stage investing, property financing and energy infrastructure investing. It is entrusted with over £700million in assets under management, as of April 2023. 

Inspired by the work of Charles Darwin and founded on evolutionary principles, Blackfinch adapts to and evolves with customer requirements, helping others to thrive.