Bridging Loan of £4.2 million for Grants Entertainment Centre, Croydon 

Cohort Capital provided a £4.2 million bridging loan to support the acquisition of the Grants Entertainment Centre. Grants Entertainment Centre is a landmark multi-level leisure complex located on Croydon High Street in South London. 

The property comprises a 160,000 sq ft freehold leisure destination. It features a Vue cinema, food and beverages court Tokia Square with outlets including Turtle Bay and Nando’s, a Nuffield Health, and several bars, making it a key entertainment hub in Croydon’s rapidly evolving town centre. The complex benefits from strong tenant demand and a strategic location near pedestrianised retail streets and major regeneration projects, including Queen’s Square and the proposed Westfield/Hammerson development. 

The acquisition opportunity was unique: the property was being sold at a discount to previous guide prices due to the seller’s need for a motivated disposal. With several previous aborted sales and four vacant units, timing and certainty of funding were critical. 

The client required a short-term bridging loan to secure the acquisition quickly, implement an asset management plan, and stabilise income streams from existing and incoming tenants. 

The Cohort Capital Bridging Solution 

We structured a 12-month commercial bridging facility, providing the client with immediate access to funds to secure this prime South London leisure asset off-market at a significant discount.  

The facility enabled them to restart negotiations with the tenant on lease adjustments and capital improvements, accelerate leasing of the vacant units by leveraging strong existing interest, and stabilise income streams while implementing the asset management plan to enhance property value for the medium-term exit strategy.  

We’re delighted to have supported this acquisition with a bridging solution, with our team working collaboratively to deliver a fast and practical approach that allowed our client to move quickly in a competitive market, demonstrating how short-term commercial finance can unlock strategic property opportunities, particularly in fast-moving markets where timing is critical.