Roma Finance has provided £3.35 million in funding for phase one of a 23-unit Class E industrial development in Colchester, helping developers Baahn Ltd move the project forward after previous funding challenges.
The site, purchased in 2021 for £320,000, now holds planning permission for all 23 units and is valued at £980,000. Roma’s loan covers phase one of the scheme, comprising the delivery of the first 14 units with a projected Gross Development Value of £5.34 million. A second phase is expected to follow in 2027 to construct a further nine units to complete the development.
Sustainability is a key focus for this project. Each unit will feature individual solar panels, air source heat pumps, and EV charging infrastructure. The units will also target EPC Band A ratings and include double-glazed, powder-coated aluminium windows, LED lighting, and heat recovery ventilation systems. The development will include a dedicated cycle shelter and a new bus stop in line with Section 106 obligations, further supporting its eco-friendly design.
The five-block development will comprise high-spec, two-storey office units ranging from 955 to 1,992 sq ft, available for individual sale. Early interest has been strong, with 53 businesses already registering their intent to buy — underlining the demand for high-quality, sustainable industrial space in the area.
Claudine Reynolds, Relationship Manager at Roma Finance, said:
"This project’s scale, design, and sustainable features make it a standout development for Colchester and one we are proud to be involved in. Collaborating with the borrower, and Daniel Dawson at Cator Wells enabled us to deliver a seamless result when it was most needed."
Simon Lucking of Baahn Ltd added:
“Having tried to fund the construction of our office development with numerous lenders who all eventually let us down; it was refreshing to finally meet a lender that had the foresight and integrity to match ours.
“At every turn the Roma team were professional, realistic and honest, and the speed with which they achieved completing the facility was amazing.
“We are excited to see where the continued relationship takes us and having Roma at the forefront of our professional team can only make us stronger, I cannot recommend them highly enough.”
Daniel Dawson, Broker at Cator Wells, added:
"Following the launch of Roma’s new commercial product, it was great to work with a lender that approached a commercial project with such a practical and forward-thinking mindset.
“Despite the challenges of a site yet to break ground and with no pre-sales or pre-lets in place, the Roma team recognised the potential and strong demand for this type of commercial development and made it happen. It was a genuine pleasure to work with Claudine and Shane, their proactive approach, regular communication and commitment were a real breath of fresh air in getting the loan completed and the client on site.”
Construction of phase one started in Q3 2025 and full completion of the development is expected by Q4 2026.
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