Recognise Bank completes £1.5m bridging loan for Canterbury mixed-use acquisition with planning-led exit

28 May 2026

Recognise Bank has completed a £1,505,000 bridging loan to support the acquisition of a commercial investment property in Canterbury, Kent.

The borrower is an experienced developer with a track record across ground-up schemes and heavy refurbishments, including the conversion of commercial assets into mixed-use and residential properties.

The facility was introduced by Kipp Noble at Commercial Finance Brokers and structured as a 15-month bridging loan at 68.41% loan-to-value.

The funding supports the acquisition of a partially tenanted asset comprising an amalgamation of several interconnecting terraced properties, including Grade II listed buildings alongside a 1950s purpose-built office. The borrower’s strategy is to enhance the asset through planning, with the intention of converting the upper floors to residential use and improving tenant mix across the scheme.

The case required careful consideration due to a combination of factors, including a below-market-value purchase and a planning moratorium affecting the timing of the borrower’s strategy. The listed status of parts of the asset also added complexity to the future development plans.

Recognise Bank worked closely with the broker and borrower throughout, taking a practical view on both the asset and the borrower’s experience. The facility was structured to provide sufficient time for planning to be progressed, with a clear exit via development finance once consent is in place. The deal was completed within the required timeframe following close coordination between all parties.

The transaction was led by Lending Manager Heather Mitchell, supported by the wider lending and operations team.

Recognise Bank provides short-term property lending across commercial and residential assets, taking a straightforward, relationship-led approach to structuring facilities for more complex cases.

Heather Mitchell, Lending Manager at Recognise Bank, said:

“This was an experienced borrower with a clear plan to reposition a complex, multi-building asset. The key was structuring a facility that allowed time to navigate planning considerations while maintaining momentum on the acquisition.

We worked closely with the broker to take a considered approach to the risks, ensuring the loan was aligned to the borrower’s strategy and providing the flexibility needed to move the project forward.”

Kipp Noble, Commercial Finance Brokers, added:

“This was a nuanced deal involving a mix of listed and more modern buildings, alongside planning considerations that required a lender willing to take a pragmatic view.

Recognise Bank understood the opportunity and worked collaboratively to structure a facility that gives the borrower the time and certainty needed to deliver their plans.”

To learn more about Recognise Bank’s bridging finance, visit: https://www.recognisebank.co.uk