Blue Shield Capital completes £20m Brentford facility as mid-market push accelerates

Blue Shield Capital has completed a £20m facility secured against Great West House in Brentford, marking another significant transaction as the lender continues to build out its larger-loan offering.

Building on its established £5m to £15m lending platform, Blue Shield is now increasing its focus on the mid-market for transitional real estate finance.

The lender is actively targeting loans of £15m to £50m across acquisitions, refinancings and value-add business plans throughout the UK.

The latest facility is secured against Great West House, comprising two former interconnecting office buildings currently being converted into 276 residential apartments under permitted development rights.

The financing will provide the sponsor with the capital required to navigate the Gateway 2 process, while also providing additional funding to support the wider repositioning of the asset, which is scheduled for completion in 2027.

Great West House was acquired by Irish developer and investor McGrath Group in January 2025 for approximately £40m.

Jonathan Hitter, chief investment officer at Blue Shield Capital, commented: “Gateway 2 is increasingly becoming a significant consideration for developers, investors and lenders alike.

“The requirements are extensive and the process can materially impact both development timelines and funding requirements.

“We have invested considerable time in understanding the Gateway process and how it affects the underlying risk and funding profile of a scheme.

“That enables us to take a pragmatic and informed approach and, where the fundamentals remain compelling, provide borrowers with the flexibility and certainty they need to progress their business plans.

“Great West House is exactly the type of transaction we are looking to support as we expand our mid-market lending business — a substantial asset, an experienced sponsor and a clear value-add strategy where flexible capital can make a real difference.”