HTB completes £10.92m funding for Stoke PBSA development

• We provided £10.92m for a 202-bed student accommodation project in Stoke-on-Trent.
• Collaborations with Kensington Shorre and CapitalStackers.
• Expected completion by August 2025 for the September student intake.

We’ve successfully completed a £10.92 million development finance deal to help build a 202-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Stoke-on-Trent.

This project features a six-storey building with 202 one-bed studio flats, plus an e-gaming suite, study lounge, shared lounge, gym, 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. We collaborated with junior lender CapitalStackers, who provided a £1.525 million facility to support the development.

With the goal to finish by August 2025 for the September student intake, we had to move fast to avoid delays. The borrower was using their own cash to keep things going before we finalised the funding, so our timely support was crucial. We, alongside CapitalStackers acted quickly to keep the construction on track.

We’ll be working closely with the borrower and monitoring surveyor throughout the build. This includes handling planning conditions related to a local flood alleviation scheme, which we’re addressing proactively with the borrower and their student accommodation operator.

This scheme will provide much-needed, high-quality student housing in the heart of Stoke, complete with great amenities.

Pippa Betts, Relationship Manager, 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, added:

This project demonstrates HTB’s expertise in delivering solutions for complex development projects under tight deadlines. By working closely with the borrower, Kensington Shorre, and Capital Stackers, 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.

We’re dedicated to supporting the growing demand for high-quality student accommodation and this transaction demonstrates our capabilities within the PBSA sector.

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.

Read the original story here.