May 27 2025, London: Melburg Capital Ltd (Melburg)– the highly discreet, privately owned real estate investment and development company announces the appointment of George Fisher as Investment Analyst.
This follows the company reaching the £1Bn transaction landmark, along with a string of high-profile management initiatives, including the closing of a £22m industrial refinance and £75.5m development facility with Maslow Capital to develop Bristol’s first eco-student housing accommodation, comprising 400 beds.
Fisher will support Melburg’s London-based acquisition and management teams. He joins from Helical Plc having previously held research-led, analytical roles at LondonMetric and Investec Asset Management.
A spokesperson for Melburg commented: “We welcome George at a period of significant expansion for the platform. He joins our experienced team who continue to organically grow both our living and commercial exposure which now exceeds 3,000 units and 2.5 million sq ft respectively.. Having closed our discretionary raise we will be strategically deploying funds during one of the most dislocated and exciting investment landscapes of recent times, with several acquisition announcements imminent”.
George Fisher said: “The Melburg platform has deep market connectivity; this combined with their research-led approach to investing has resulted in the business growing at a staggering rate, whilst achieving significant market outperformance. . I am delighted to be joining the Melburg team and look forward to contributing to the business’s growth trajectory and continued success.
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Melburg, the privately owned real estate investment and development company announces the successful approval of Gateway 2 at their 399 bed eco-PBSA development in Bristol city centre.
The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) introduced the necessity for Gateway 2 approval as part of a rigorous inspection of building regulation requirements to ensure that building safety is considered at each stage of the design and construction process.
The timing of the approval will enable Melburg, alongside their contractor Winvic Construction, to deliver the scheme for the 2026/27 academic year, providing much needed student accommodation into Bristol’s critically under supplied market.
A spokesperson for Melburg commented.
“Achieving the necessary approvals is a milestone for the project and reaffirms Melburg’s commitment to delivering the safest, highest quality, most sustainable built form across all our developments.
We are passionate about making buildings better for the environment, and environments better for people. The teams reimagination of a decaying, not fit for purpose secondary office into this BREEAM excellent, EPC A rated eco-PBSA building is the embodiment of that vision”
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Melburg announces the the refurbishment of a 110,710 sq ft industrial unit located at Sirdar Business Park, Wakefield (www.sirdarbusinesspark.co.uk).
The project, which is set to be completed in Q2 2025, is being carried out by Building Projects Group and will deliver sustainable, high-quality industrial space that meets the evolving needs of the environmentally conscious occupier base.
The comprehensive refurbishment will include the installation of a new energy-efficient LED lighting system, photovoltaic installations to improve occupier footprint whilst cutting global costs, the addition of overhead loading doors to improve accessibility and a state-of-the-art sprinkler system for enhanced safety and security.
This follows a sting of deals within the prime estate including long term commitments from incumbent tenants Dearnley and Ulster Yarns, and recent lettings to B&B Distribution and APH Automotive, accounting for in excess of 60,000 sq ft of space.
Melburg has discreetly amassed a highly diversified logistics footprint throughout the UK which now exceeds 2.5 million sq ft, whilst also acquiring £1Bn of real estate over the past 24 months.
Andrew Burns, Head of Asset Management at Melburg commented “Our strength of conviction in the quality of the Sirdar estate, and the depth of occupier demand within Yorkshire is reflected by our continued commitment. We will be providing much needed, highly sustainable, versatile industrial accommodation that meets both environmental and operational needs. We continue to grow our presence in the region, with further acquisition announcements imminent”
The improvements will ensure the unit is fully adaptable for a variety of uses, offering Grade A facilities that align with the growing demand for modern industrial space in the region. The unit is also capable of subdivision to provide accommodation from 5,590 sq ft and upwards.
Cushman & Wakefield and Carter Towler are joint letting agents for the project.
For further information, please contact Tom Cooley (tom.cooley@cushwake.com / +44(0) 7385 949988) or Max Vause (maxvause@cartertowler.co.uk / +44(0) 7718 110 258).
A joint venture between Melburg Capital and TPG Angelo Gordon, announce the completion of a £75.5m development facility with specialist real estate finance provider Maslow Capital, to bring forward their 399-bed eco-purpose-built student accommodation scheme in the heart of Bristol city centre.
Having secured planning permission to transform the former South Plaza office complex in May 2024, Melburg have signed a build contract with Winvic and begun reimagining the scheme to provide Bristol’s first eco-PBSA development.
The development will provide 399 student beds whilst retaining the original office structure. In so doing, the proposal will save 4,215 tonnes of embodied CO2, when compared with a demolition and rebuild. The embodied carbon will be 33% lower than a new ultra-low energy steel framed building, the equivalent of powering 1,504 houses a year, and save an additional 3,000 tonnes of CO2 by connecting to Bristol’s District Heat Network, incorporating heat pumps and roof-mounted PV panels. This will enable the project to target BREEAM Excellent certification and an EPC A rating.
Featuring 11,464 sq ft of internal amenity space, the scheme offers a market-leading 29 sq ft of internal amenity space per bed, setting a new benchmark in student accommodation. Residents will enjoy an unparalleled array of premium amenities designed to enhance their university experience. These include a yoga studio, gym, lounge, library, study space, bookable meeting room, faith room, laundry facilities, and a roof terrace on the 10th floor. It will also feature 8,181 sq ft of external amenity space and promote eco-friendly transportation by providing 434 cycle parking spaces. The scheme is due for practical completion in June 2026.
Burgess Okoh Saunders and Freedman + Hilmi provided legal services. Savills acted as property advisors. BBS Capital acted as debt advisor to the JV.
Jack Burgess, Melburg’s Chief Executive said: “We are pleased to be working with Maslow Capital on this ambitious project and look forward to welcoming students in the 2026 academic year. We continue to selectively grow our student housing exposure as part of our wider investment into the living sectors, which now stands at over 2,500 beds”
James Henry, Origination Director at Maslow Capital commented: “Maslow is delighted to be partnering with Melburg to deliver much-needed student housing in the Bristol market. This £75.5m commitment underscores Maslow’s strong appetite for partnering with best-in-class sponsors and delivery teams to fund high-quality living sector assets across the UK and Europe. It has been a pleasure working with all parties involved, and the Maslow Capital team looks forward to seeing the asset’s delivery over the next two years.”
Adam Buchler, BBS Capital added: “We’re delighted to complete another financing for TPG Melburg and it was a pleasure working again with the Maslow team”.
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Melburg announced the completion of a wider refinancing with National Westminster Bank on assets including Voltaic, Wakefield 41 Industrial Park and Sirdar Business Park, Wakefield.
Melburg acquired both assets in an off-market transaction in Q1 of 2022.
Melburg subsequently secured Yorkshires largest pre-let of 2023 at Voltaic, having undertaken a wholesale repositioning of the 210,000 sq ft logistics facility securing a 10-year lease commitment from XPO logistics. This facility is now the Wakefield Northern Distribution Centre and utilised as the dedicated operation for Saint-Gobain UK (SGUK) in the north of England. Dual-branded with XPO Logistics and Saint-Gobain livery, the site operates as a multi-brand one-stop shop for warehousing, backhaul and distribution to end customers.
Sirdar Business Park has been subject to significant management intervention, with 8 lease renewals and lettings since acquisition and currently benefits from 100% occupancy.
Natwest provided a senior loan to Melburg who have discreetly amassed a logistics footprint throughout the UK which exceeds 2.5 million sq ft, whilst also acquiring £1Bn of real estate over the past 24 months and raising a £575m UK focused discretionary fund.
Helen Blair, Melburg’s Chief Financial Officer commented “The speed of this refinance reflects the efficiency of our management platform, who have been able to transform the income characteristics of both assets within a short window, and in so doing increase asset values by over 30%. We look forward to building on our wider relationship with Natwest as we continue to organically grow and diversify our real estate exposure.”
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Melburg were pleased to be involved as one of the sponsors of the Chewbacca Challenge 2024 Charity Golf Day.
The annual event brought together 20 teams made up of 80 players from across a variety of industries all uniting for a day of friendly competition and meaningful fundraising. The event included a new partnership with Wasps Legends, a charitable foundation established by former Wasps rugby players, including Peter Scrivener, who hosted the 2024 event.
A special highlight was the hole-in-one challenge, with the grand prize being a brand-new Audi A3 available to one lucky golfer. Whilst there were a few close attempts, no one ultimately managed to secure the winning shot, but plenty of energy and excitement was brought to the final hole by all the players.
Thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of all involved, the event raised an impressive £25,000 for the chosen charities. These funds were distributed between several incredible organisations, including Beyond Borders and TOGS – The Ollie Gobat Sports Foundation.
As a testament to the global reach and impact of the players contributions, we were honoured to see the below video message from SeeBeyond Borders in Cambodia, one of the grant recipients. Their message highlights the real and lasting difference the support of the Chewbacca Challenge has made in communities far beyond our own.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, sponsored, donated, and volunteered to make this event such a success. Your continued support is what makes the Chewbacca Challenge such a powerful force for good.
The Melburg team are excited to participate in the 2025 Chewbacca Challenge as we continue our mission to invest in worthy causes that help those most in need.
Melburg Capital [Melburg] has announced the completion of a wider refinancing with Coutts on the Bekaert manufacturing HQ, a 110,000 sq ft industrial asset located in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
Melburg acquired the asset in an off-market transaction in Q3 of 2022 with a short-term lease expiry to Bekaert, the world’s largest steel wire manufacturer.
In advance of completion Melburg re-structured the Bekaert lease, with the €5.0Bn turnover business signing a 15-year commitment with 2-5% RPI indexation.
Coutts provided a senior loan to Melburg who have strategically amassed a logistics footprint throughout the UK which exceeds 2.5 million sq ft, whilst also acquiring £1Bn of real estate over the past 24 months.
Helen Blair, Melburg’s Chief Financial Officer commented “We look forward to building on our wider relationship with Coutts, whose approach continues to enable our speed of execution. The transaction is a great example of the teams ability to identify off-market assets, execute management initiatives quickly and in so doing stabilise future income. Bekaert are aligned with our environmental targets, placing sustainability at the core of its operations. The business has been accepted to join other leaders supporting the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign, targeting net-zero emissions by 2050 whilst also becoming a member of the UN Climate Champions’ Race to Zero. We are proud to partner with them and support their continued endeavours”
Former South Plaza office block will provide 399 student bedrooms.
- What? Melburg Capital has secured full planning permission for a
student accommodation scheme in Bristol. - Why? Former South Plaza office block will be converted to provide 399
student bedrooms, called 360 Bristol. - What next? Aiming to complete by June 2026, the project will include a
gym with changing facilities, café and leisure areas, a golf simulator
and bike storage.
Melburg Capital has obtained full planning consent to convert a former office block in Bristol city centre into a £150m purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme.
The proposals, which were submitted in June last year, will transform the former South Plaza office building to provide 399 student bedrooms.
To be called 360 Bristol, the development will include a gym, café, leisure facilities, prayer rooms, a golf simulator and 370 bike spaces.
Melburg intends to complete the scheme by June 2026 in time for the September academic year intake.
Andrew Burns, head of asset and development management at Melburg, said: “In line with our environmental agenda, we decided to reimagine this former office facility instead of demolishing it and, in doing so, expect embodied carbon emissions to be notably lower than those associated with constructing a newultra-low energy steel-framed building. We look forward to welcoming students to this exemplary scheme for the 2026 academic year and thank Bristol City Council for its continued support.”
Melburg was advised by Savills.
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Capital will be deployed across sectors where there are dislocation opportunities.
- What? Melburg Capital has raised a debut £565m fund.
- Why? Investment manager to target mispriced assets amid market
dislocation. - What next? Industrial, living, strategic land and operational real estate
will be main areas of focus for deployment.
Melburg Capital, an investment and asset management business founded by a notoriously discreet senior executive, has raised £565m for its debut UK real estate fund, React News can reveal.
Melburg Real Estate Fund I (MREF I), which will invest both directly and in joint venture opportunities, has been backed by several of the investment manager’s existing institutional partners along with private family offices.
The firm’s website notes it has previously worked with Angelo Gordon, AEW, Revcap, Investec, Hines and Leumi, and has transacted £1bn of deals since it was set up nine years ago. However, it declined to comment on which investors had participated in the inaugural fund raise.
Although sector-agnostic, MREF I will have a particular focus on industrial, living, strategic land and operational real estate opportunities throughout the UK.
“Our superior market connectivity coupled with a data-driven approach is enabling us to aggregate fundamentally mispriced assets across all sectors and regions”
HELEN BLAIR, MELBURG CAPITAL
Melburg was founded in 2015 by Jack Burgess, a notoriously private Schroder alumni who has shunned the media spotlight and has yet to be interviewed.Although still in his thirties, several sources told React News Burgess had garnered a reputation for shrewd deal-making and discretion. As chief executive officer, he has overall responsibility for the group’s transactional activity and investment strategies.
Over the past three years Melburg has diversified its platform, securing several high-profile planning consents and acquisitions. Most recently these include a 400-bed student accommodation consent in Bristol city centre, along with the 850-bed mixed-use approval within its Redcatch Quarter, which forms the hub for the development of the former Broadwalk Shopping Centre in Knowle.
On the industrial side, Melburg has acquired in excess of 2m sq ft since its inception. Last summer, the manager prelet its entire Voltaic estate to XPO Logistics, in a move that marks the largest letting of the year in Yorkshire. Voltaic is a 210,000 sq ft logistics hub at the Wakefield 41 Industrial Estate,
West Yorkshire. XPO agreed to a 10-year lease term after Melburg repositioned the asset.
Helen Blair, Melburg’s chief financial officer, said: “The commitments are a reflection of the hard work and performance of the wider team. We intend on organically deploying our capital by utilising the extensive reach of both our direct property and venture capital arms.
“Although scale and consolidation remain a primary driver for most of the institutional market, our superior market connectivity coupled with a data-driven approach is enabling us to aggregate fundamentally mispriced assets across all sectors and regions.”
Successful raise
The success of Melburg Real Estate Fund I is impressive when benchmarked against a challenging backdrop for real estate fundraising. Only 59 private real estate funds closed in the first three months of 2024 – the lowest quarter on record, according to Preqin data analysed by React News. The total aggregate capital also remained low, at $28.6bn. 2023 was the toughest year in a decade for capital raising, with only $151.9bn of aggregate capital raised across 483 funds amid persistent macroeconomic headwinds.
View React News article here.
Planning permission has been granted for the demolition and redevelopment of the Broadwalk Shopping Centre in Knowle, Bristol.
The scheme, to be called Redcatch Quarter, was brought forward by a joint venture between BBS Capital, Melburg Capital and Galliard Homes. The joint venture, the Redcatch Development Partnership, plans to build 800 homes, 30 retail units and new public space.
Melburg acquired the site for £9.5m out of receivership in 2021. Broadwalk was part of a portfolio of three shopping centres Frogmore bought for £130m in 2006. The other assets were Belle Vale Shopping Centre in Liverpool and Port Arcades in Ellesmere Port.
The 5.3 acre site is home to the 50-year old Broadwalk Shopping Centre which spans 218,500 sq ft of retail space. The site benefits from outline planning permission granted in 2019 to demolish the multi-storey car park and part of the shopping centre to make way for 420 homes and 124,000 sq ft of commercial space.
New plans were then drawn up that would increase the number of homes from 420 to nearly 800, and the provision for 30 retail units. A community café, creche and new facilities for Knowle Library as well as 1,280 cycle spaces were also included in the plans.
The joint venture is now seeking grant funding to secure additional affordable housing for Redcatch Quarter. It has also announced plans to submit a detailed planning application for the overall scheme, and anticipate construction to take a minimum of three years.
View React News article here.
