HTB backs £1.5m drive-thru and EV charging project in £25m rollout

HTB has completed a £1.5 million commercial development facility to deliver a new drive-thru and ultra-fast electric vehicle charging hub, marking the first project under a newly established £25 million multi-site funding framework aimed at accelerating roadside retail and EV infrastructure across the UK.

The initial scheme will deliver a branded drive-thru unit alongside 16 ultra-fast EV charging bays, combining long-term leases with major retail and energy occupiers. HTB said the project demonstrates how EV infrastructure is becoming integral to modern roadside developments, blending proven consumer demand with next-generation sustainability requirements.

The new framework is designed to give experienced programme-led developers a structured, scalable route to fund multiple sites efficiently. Each development is assessed individually but delivered within an agreed structure, enabling faster execution and greater certainty for borrowers.

The transaction was introduced by Luke Rutherford at Vault Commercial Finance, with legal advice from Brecher LLP, valuation support from Allsop, and monitoring by MDA Consulting.

“It has been great working with Tim Mycock and Beth Rungay at HTB on this deal,” said Luke Rutherford, Director at Vault Commercial Finance. “Their proactive approach, clear communication and commitment to getting it completed have really been head and shoulders above the rest. We have faced challenges on similar developments in the past, so it has been especially rewarding to see this one come together so smoothly thanks to their hard work.”

Tim Mycock, Lending Director at HTB, said the developer’s track record made them a strong fit for the structured funding model.

“The framework we have established allows both sides to work with a clear, consistent process for each site, reducing duplication, accelerating delivery and ensuring every facility is shaped around the borrower’s wider strategy,” he said. “We are seeing more experienced developers moving towards programme-based funding as a way to manage multiple sites efficiently while maintaining flexibility.”

Neil Leitch, Managing Director of Development Finance at HTB, added that roadside retail and EV-led schemes continue to outperform the wider market.

“The roadside retail and EV sectors are proving to be among the most resilient areas of activity, supported by long leases, strong covenants and clear sustainability alignment,” he said. “This facility demonstrates how specialist lenders can provide structure and continuity for borrowers building at scale, and it shows how HTB continues to support experienced SME borrowers with pragmatic funding solutions that combine flexibility, discipline and long-term partnership.”

HTB said the framework will play a key role in supporting the rollout of new drive-thru and EV charging locations nationwide as demand for sustainable, service-led roadside schemes continues to grow.