OakNorth provides loan for new retirement development

The company is backed by Highland & Universal Investments Limited, the investment vehicle of long-standing property investor Dame Ann Gloag. Both Chrysalis and Highland were advised by investment and advisory group Greyfriars Investments.

The £8.3m loan from OakNorth will be used to develop Waterside at Dargavel Village, a four-storey, 49-unit retirement living scheme in Bishopton, Renfrewshire. The site forms part of the wider Dargavel Village regeneration project. Located on a former BAE Systems site, the site is set to deliver 4,000 new homes, with over 2,000 already completed. Full completion of the project is expected by 2034. McCarthy & Stone have been appointed to manage the apartments.

Fraser McPhail, senior director of debt finance at OakNorth, said: “Dargavel Village is a flagship regeneration project for the West of Scotland, and the Waterside scheme will play an important role in expanding high-quality retirement living options in the region. With a rapidly ageing population and a notable lack of local supply, this development addresses a clear and growing need. Highland Investments and the wider sponsor group, supported by Greyfriars Investments bring exceptional experience, and we’re delighted to be supporting them as they deliver this vital project.”

Linda Docherty, sales director at Chrysalis Homes, commented: “Waterside at Dargavel Village has been designed to provide high-quality, future-ready homes for older residents who want to remain close to family, community, and essential amenities. In bringing this project forward, we were looking for a funding partner that not only understood the technical and commercial requirements of retirement living but also had a deep appreciation of the unique dynamics within the Scottish residential market. Fraser and the OakNorth team’s responsiveness and flexibility also made them an ideal partner, and we look forward to continuing the relationship as the scheme progresses.”