Cardiff Capital Region’s Commercial Premises Fund Nears Full Deployment with £47m Invested
Uskmouth Sustainable Energy Park in Newport
The Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) Strategic Sites and Premises Fund has reached a significant milestone, having deployed over £47 million and committed £58.7 million to commercial property developments across South East Wales. This progress was announced during the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) this week, signalling a new phase of reinvestment for the fund.
Managed by CBRE’s Investment Advisory team, the approximately £50 million fund was created to accelerate the development of commercial premises and unlock employment space in the region. Since its launch in 2022, the fund has supported a diverse portfolio of projects aimed at driving economic growth.
In the 2025/26 financial year, the fund recorded its strongest performance to date. It facilitated the creation of 1,694 jobs and unlocked more than 222,000 square metres of development space. Additionally, seven acres of previously vacant or derelict land were brought back into productive use. The fund invested £26.6 million into key schemes during this period, marking the most intensive year of activity since inception.
CCR, which encompasses ten local authorities in South East Wales, collaborates with both the Welsh and UK Governments to promote inclusive economic growth through investments in infrastructure, skills, innovation, and sustainable development. With several loans approaching maturity, the region is preparing to recycle capital into a robust pipeline of future projects. This reinvestment is expected to occur multiple times, amplifying the fund’s long-term impact.
The fund plays a crucial role in enabling projects that might otherwise stall due to limited access to conventional financing. It supports a range of sectors, including advanced manufacturing, clean energy, film, and digital industries.
Mike Brough, Director of Regional Growth at CCR, stated: “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. Attending UKREiiF is a key opportunity for us to meet further partners for co-investment, helping to grow the impact of the fund even further.”
He added: “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.”
The CCR pipeline, developed in partnership with private sector developers and investors, is regarded as one of the UK’s most compelling and future-focused investment portfolios. The region’s momentum is expected to accelerate further with upcoming global events such as the Tour de France Grand Départ in 2027 and UEFA EURO 2028, which will enhance CCR’s international profile and drive regeneration across Cardiff and the wider area.
Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby, Chair of CCR and leader of Monmouthshire County Council, highlighted key projects supported by the fund: “This is a very exciting time for the region with significant momentum building across a number of major projects. One of the most notable is the rapid progress at the Uskmouth Sustainable Energy Park in Newport. Supported by a new £8.5 million 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.”
She continued: “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 £12 million loan is supporting the site’s expansion, including three additional sound stages and associated infrastructure,” Brocklesby added.
