The Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) £50m Strategic Sites and Premises Fund, managed by CBRE's investment advisory team, is nearing full deployment after providing loans exceeding £47m across a diverse portfolio of projects in south east Wales. The fund has now committed £58.7m.
Fund Performance and Impact
In 2025/26, the fund achieved its strongest performance, supporting 1,694 jobs and unlocking over 222,000 square metres of development space, while bringing seven acres of vacant or derelict land back into active use. The fund deployed £26.6m into key schemes, marking its most intensive year since launching in 2022. The fund aims to unlock projects stalled due to a lack of conventional finance.
Future Recycling of Capital
With several loans nearing maturity, CCR is preparing to recycle capital into a strong pipeline of future projects, expecting the fund to be reinvested multiple times over the long term. Mike Brough, director of regional growth at CCR, said: "It has been a record year for the fund, helping to unlock vital new workspace that aligns with CCR's mission of driving economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development across South East Wales. Looking into 2026/27, we are in a position where loans will be reaching maturity, returning capital to be re-deployed into new projects. We have a strong pipeline of future projects that we will look to progress through approvals, to continue the momentum from the last year. This is an exciting time for us and our partners."
Notable Projects
The CCR pipeline, delivered with private sector developers and investors, forms one of the UK's most compelling investment portfolios. CCR's chair and leader of Monmouthshire County Council, Mary Ann Brocklesby, highlighted key projects: "One of the most notable is the rapid progress at the Uskmouth Sustainable Energy Park in Newport. Supported by a new £8.5m loan, the project is delivering one of the UK's largest battery energy storage systems, with development moving at pace and funding being drawn down ahead of schedule. In Bridgend, the fund is also supporting the refurbishment of industrial space at Central Park. This latest approval will upgrade units to EPC A standards, helping to futureproof employment space and strengthen sustainability credentials for existing businesses. Meanwhile, our investment at Seren Studios in Cardiff is helping to position the region as a major hub for the creative industries. A £12m loan is supporting the site's expansion, including three additional sound stages and associated infrastructure."
