Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has completed a £1.5 million development facility as the first transaction under a new £25 million multi-site framework intended to accelerate the rollout of drive-thru units and ultra-fast electric vehicle charging across the UK.
The debut scheme will deliver a branded drive-thru alongside 16 rapid charging bays, backed by long leases to major occupiers in both retail and energy. The project reflects the growing convergence of roadside retail with EV infrastructure, an area of development that is becoming increasingly important to lenders seeking assets with both commercial resilience and environmental alignment.
HTB said the framework has been created to support experienced programme-led borrowers operating across roadside and mixed-use schemes. Each site is funded individually within a pre-agreed structure, designed to cut duplication, speed up execution and provide greater certainty as developers progress multiple projects.
The deal was introduced by Luke Rutherford at Vault Commercial Finance. Brecher LLP acted for the lender, with valuations by Allsop and monitoring from MDA Consulting.
Tim Mycock (pictured), lending director at HTB, said: “The developer’s experience and delivery capability make them a natural fit for this type of structured funding approach.
“The framework we have established allows both sides to work with a clear, consistent process for each site, reducing duplication, accelerating delivery and ensuring every facility is shaped around the borrower’s wider strategy.
“We are seeing more experienced developers moving towards programme-based funding as a way to manage multiple sites efficiently while maintaining flexibility.
“It is an approach that requires confidence in the relationship and confidence in the structure, and this deal reflects both.”
Luke Rutherford, director at Vault Commercial Finance, said: “It has been great working with Tim Mycock and Beth Rungay at HTB on this deal. Their proactive approach, clear communication and commitment to getting it completed have really been head and shoulders above the rest.
“We have faced challenges on similar developments in the past, so it has been especially rewarding to see this one come together so smoothly thanks to their hard work.”
Neil Leitch, managing director of development finance at HTB, added: “The roadside retail and EV sectors are proving to be among the most resilient areas of activity, supported by long leases, strong covenants and clear sustainability alignment.
“They also illustrate how the market is diversifying, with smaller format, service-led schemes creating dependable income streams and continued demand.”
He added: “This facility demonstrates how specialist lenders can provide structure and continuity for borrowers building at scale. It also shows how HTB continues to support experienced SME borrowers with pragmatic funding solutions that combine flexibility, discipline and long-term partnership.
“Providing that structure and certainty is what enables these borrowers to continue delivering across an evolving market, and it is where specialist banks like HTB continue to play a vital role in supporting growth across the real economy.”
