Godwin secures Loungers’ Brightside restaurant for Ram Jam Services

UK property developer Godwin Developments has announced that Loungers, a leading nationwide operator of all day café-bars and restaurants, has signed a lease for the biggest unit at its new roadside retail development, Ram Jam Services.

Fronting the busy northbound section of the A1 in Rutland, the restaurant will be operated under the Brightside brand, a recently announced roadside dining concept from Loungers which is being rolled out across the UK. When delivered, the 4,500 sq. ft. unit will be the first purpose-built Brightside restaurant which will serve c. 41,500 vehicles passing the site daily as well as residents of the local area.

Loungers, which operates more than 200 UK locations under the Lounge and Cosy Club brands, intends to bring a wholesome menu, excellent value for money and exceptional service to roadside dining. Brightside will provide a freshly cooked menu full of classic, comfort food-style dishes in surroundings designed to appeal to a broad range of customers including families, locals, and UK holidaymakers.

Ram Jam Services is positioned alongside the main arterial route from Peterborough to Grantham, next to an established petrol station, a new bakery and is only 15 minutes away from Rutland Water – one of the largest man-made lakes in Europe. The area and wider county attract nearly 1.9 million visitors every year who favour it for its attractive countryside and outdoor pursuits.

A total of four units have been developed by Godwin at Ram Jam Services, of which three are currently under offer, leaving only one unit comprising 754 sq. ft. available.

Claudine Tracey, Associate Director, Commercial Development at Godwin Developments, said: “We are delighted to have secured Loungers’ new Brightside brand for our Ram Jam Services development. The site has historically been a thriving roadside destination and we are really pleased to be breathing new life into it, bringing amenities and consumer choice, attracting passing motorists as well as those who are travelling to and live in the local area.

“We remain very active in the roadside retail market, which is buoyant and growing rapidly. We have already built strong partnerships with all major market players in this space and we will continue to support them in expanding their networks and bringing brands closer to their customers.”

Alex Reilley, Founder Chairman of Loungers plc, said: “We believe that Brightside will really shake up what has become an uninspiring sector and that there is potential to roll out Brightside across the UK in the coming years. Our expertise in high-quality, great value all-day dining, developed through Lounge and Cosy Club, gives us confidence that Brightside can bring proper hospitality back to roadside dining across the UK.”

Godwin Developments is an established property business with a focus on residential and commercial schemes across the United Kingdom. It has commercial and industrial divisions with recent developments in Northamptonshire, Staffordshire, Dorset and Cambridgeshire, alongside a strong UK-wide pipeline. Its commercial business develops and delivers projects for leading brands such as Lidl, McDonald’s, Burger King, Greggs, Starbucks and Costa Coffee. At the same time, the team works closely with electric vehicle charging providers, helping power the UK’s low-carbon future.

Ogle Property and Shakespeare Martineau acted for Godwin Developments on the deal. The remaining unit is being marketed by Ogle Property.

Godwin Developments launches £1bn nationwide BTR platform

JV partnership with leading institutional real estate investor will focus on creating a portfolio of professionally managed homes across UK urban and suburban BTR markets

UK property development company Godwin Developments today announces the launch of a nationwide build-to-rent (BTR) platform. Working as an equity investor in partnership alongside a leading institutional real estate partner, Godwin has ambitious plans to build a portfolio valued in excess of £1 billion.

The joint venture (JV) will target both the single-family and multifamily BTR sectors in recognition of the substantial growth potential of the asset class. The strategy enables Godwin Developments to leverage its strong track record across acquisition, planning and delivery whilst rapidly scaling its operations in the sector. The JV partner has significant experience in investing in the living sectors across multiple jurisdictions, including in the UK.

In the near-term, the JV partnership is aiming to develop its BTR proposition through the acquisition of both standing and forward funded stock as well as by unlocking new land opportunities. The Oxford-Cambridge Arc and the Home Counties will be key to expanding the delivery of single-family units for rent, and London, Bristol and Birmingham will be important target cities for the multifamily offering.

The JV will focus on creating high-quality, professionally managed homes with strong ESG credentials that will appeal to residents of all ages and life stages – from singles and sharers, to couples, families, and downsizers.

Research by the British Property Federation and Savills published last month estimated the BTR sector to be worth £170 billion by 2032, with completed BTR homes projected to increase fivefold over the next decade.

Stephen Pratt, Director and Co-Founder at Godwin Developments said: “We are thrilled to announce the next step in our growth ambitions in the BTR sector. BTR has proven itself to be a highly defensive asset class and is rapidly establishing itself as a real alternative to home ownership, delivering an opportunity to alleviate the shortage of housing across the country.

This launch is truly transformational for our business, and we look forward to growing our portfolio nationwide, adding value for residents, housebuilders, landowners, local authorities and other stakeholders using our expertise and unique ability to deliver, market and manage schemes across the development lifecycle.”

Godwin Developments was advised by Alantra (corporate finance), Gateley (legal) and KPMG (tax).

Acorn Property Group Releases Homes for First-time Buyers at The Old Printworks, Frome

Acorn Property Group are pleased to release a selection of 1-bedroom Starter Homes at The Old Printworks in Frome. Working with Mendip District Council, these new apartments will be available to help first-time buyers get on the property ladder and own their first home.

A selection of four 1-bedroom homes are available at 80% of the open market value, meaning home ownership is more affordable at this sought-after development.

Since its initial launch in 2020 The Old Printworks has become a runaway success, with the first phase selling out in record time and the second phase of homes already over 75% sold since its launch earlier this year. Construction on the third and final phase will begin at the end of 2022.

The 1-bedroom Starter Home apartments are perfect for first-time buyers and will be ready to move into this winter. Designed with open plan flexible living space and Juliet balconies, many of the properties also feature rooftop views over Frome. Built to be energy efficient and achieve an EPC rating B, each apartment also has triple glazed windows, smart meters, energy-saving appliances and low energy LED lighting.

The high-quality specification of the homes includes a contemporary kitchen, with integrated appliances, Caesarstone worktops and sleek bathrooms with porcelain floor and wall tiling. For working from home there is Openreach fibre-optic broadband connection available, and for those needing to commute Frome train station is under half a mile away.

The 1-bedroom Starter Homes are available for 80% of open market value at £140,000, offered to eligible first-time buyers under the age of 40.

The new homes are located on the site of the former Butler, Tanner and Dennis printing press, which printed the first Penguin books in 1935. Developed in conjunction with London & County, the scheme is delivering 159 modern homes to the popular town of Frome.

There is a strong community already forming at the development with many residents now moved in. The new homeowners can look forward to enjoying the public open green space and access to the new pathway which links the site to the River Frome.

Robin Squire, Regional Managing Director of Acorn’s Bristol office says: “We are delighted the Starter Homes at The Old Printworks are now available to buy, which will help more first-time buyers secure their dream home in Frome. As we have seen previously, we anticipate high demand for the newly released 1-bedroom apartments.”

Simon Blair, Managing Director of London & County says: “We are thrilled to see the new community forming as residents move into The Old Printworks and are enjoying their new homes. We are pleased the Starter Homes will help buyers own their first home and join this exciting neighbourhood.”

Gemma Mckeown, Housing Development Officer for Mendip District Council, says: “Maximising the provision of quality affordable housing and meeting the needs of our residents is a key commitment for the Council. This starter home scheme at the Old Printworks offers a real opportunity for people to be able to make their first step onto the property market in Frome.”