Property developer launches new venture

The award-winning developer Gavin Bridge (pictured) has launched a new property development company – Spatia.

The launch of Spatia comes after Mr Bridge left his position as a founding director at Bristol-based Cubex following 17 years at the company.

Over the years, he has delivered over £750m worth of mixed-use development across the UK, including the multi-award-winning transformation of Finzels Reach, a new balanced neighbourhood created by Bristol’s Floating Harbour.

The new company has been set up with the aim of creating 2,500 low and zero carbon homes over the next few years.

It also aims to spearhead transformational mixed-use regeneration, as well as creating low and zero carbon homes and best-in-class, future-fit workspaces in towns and cities across the UK.

Spatia and investor PfP Capital, the fund and asset management arm of Places for People Group, have already formed a strategic partnership that will transform St Jude’s in Bristol city centre into a balanced new riverfront neighbourhood known as Frome Gateway.

They are actively looking for further mixed-use regeneration opportunities across the UK.

‘I’m hugely excited to be embarking on a new venture at a time when the world of property, an industry steeped in tradition, is having to reinvent itself as we experience a major shift in how we live, work and play,’ said Mr Bridge.

‘That is a space I want to be in; challenging the status quo, raising the bar and instigating real change, transforming places, communities and lives by creating sustainable, inclusive neighbourhoods, future-fit, healthy workspaces and low and zero carbon homes that connect people.’

Spatia is focused on buying land without planning consent, adding value using its know-how and experience in property development, and developing out projects of scale through to completion.

The company is targeting mixed-use, residential-led development opportunities from £50m gross development value (GDV) upwards, typically on post-industrial land in urban centres, repurposing redundant retail space and development around transport hubs.

Spatia is also keen to work in the build-to-rent, later living and hospitality markets, as well as developing sustainable, healthy office buildings typically of at least 50,000 sq ft.

‘Spatia is very much a regional urban regeneration specialist,’ added Mr Bridge.

‘I believe each development should have its own distinct identity, balanced mix of uses and be reflective of its surrounding community. At Spatia, we are open minded, always challenging ourselves to do better, and we care deeply about ‘doing the right thing’ and the impact we have on the places and people where we operate.’

Photo Credit – Supplied