Develop North PLC (Develop North) has received unanimous shareholder approval for a new investment objective, updated investment policy and revised articles of association, marking the next phase in the company’s evolution as a regional investment platform.
The approval confirms the proposals previously outlined by the North East-based, London Stock Exchange-listed investment company and formally establishes a diversified, three-pillar deployment strategy focused on residential real estate, commercial real estate and real estate lending.
The updated policy enables Develop North to broaden its activity beyond a single-asset lending model and operate as a multi-real-estate investment platform, targeting opportunities that support regeneration, job creation and economic growth across the North East of England.
Under the new framework, the company will invest across:
- Residential real estate – supporting the delivery of housing and living accommodation across the region
- Commercial real estate – backing business premises and employment-generating developments
- Real estate lending – providing flexible development and bridging finance to property projects
The strategy is designed to provide diversification across sectors while maintaining the company’s place-based investment approach, combining locally informed capital with experienced regional asset managers and advisers.
Since its launch in 2017, Develop North has deployed around £90m across more than 40 investments, supporting over 12,000 jobs and projects with a combined gross development value exceeding £280m.
The newly approved investment policy positions the company to expand its role as a long-term funding partner for property-led regeneration and economic development throughout the North East.