Rothschild & Co supports Dransfield Properties and Prospect Estates in strategic refinance of landmark Marshall’s Yard development

Rothschild & Co supports Dransfield Properties and Prospect Estates in strategic refinance of landmark Marshall’s Yard development

27 October 2025

Rothschild & Co has successfully completed the refinancing of Marshall’s Yard in Gainsborough for Dransfield Properties Ltd (DPL) and its joint venture partner Prospect Estates Ltd, marking the latest chapter in a longstanding relationship.

Marshall’s Yard is a unique, retail-led mixed-use scheme in the Lincolnshire market town of Gainsborough.

Almost 20 years ago, the former tractor works site was transformed by Dransfield Properties and Prospect Estates into a thriving destination that today combines high-quality retail, office, and leisure space in a beautifully restored heritage setting.

Funding for the transaction was provided under Rothschild & Co’s investment management mandate with Just Group plc.

The deal further strengthens a partnership with Rothschild & Co and Dransfield Properties Ltd that spans many years and a number of landmark projects, including Fox Valley in north Sheffield and the ongoing transformation of Five Valleys in Stroud, where construction work continues to create new retail, leisure, and residential space.

The centre has earned national recognition as a model for regeneration and heritage-led placemaking, helping to drive further investment and renewal across Gainsborough, which is now experiencing unprecedented levels of growth.

More than 1,600 new homes have been built in the town since the development of Marshall’s Yard, and Gainsborough has been awarded Growth Point status, committing to the delivery of 1,000 new homes every year.

The region has also been selected as the home of the Government-backed STEP fusion plant, a pioneering clean energy project that will bring thousands of new jobs and significant long-term investment to the area.

Further investment in the town includes a newly developed Savoy Cinema, which opened in the summer, alongside other town centre improvements. Additional funding is also being delivered through the Pride in Place programme, which will bring £20m over the next decade to support regeneration and community development.

Ian Walker, Managing Director at Rothschild & Co, said: “We are delighted to have supported Dransfield Properties and Prospect Estates with the refinancing of Marshall’s Yard. Dransfield Properties’ exceptional asset management capabilities are reflected in the vibrancy of the scheme and its strong occupational track record, and we, alongside our funding partners at Just Group, are delighted to add another chapter to our long history with Mark and his team.”

Mohamed Tabi, Director of Credit & Private Assets at Just Group plc, added: “We are very pleased to support the continued success of Marshall’s Yard, a cornerstone of regeneration in Gainsborough. At Just, we help people achieve a better later life – it’s our purpose and why we exist. Investments like this not only contribute to local regeneration but also create the sustainable returns that deliver security and peace of mind for our customers."

Marshall’s Yard is managed by Dransfield Properties’ in-house team, who recently secured a Gold Award from East Midlands in Bloom for the beautiful environment created across the centre.

Companies renewing their leases this year at Marshall’s Yard include Vision Express, Costa Coffee, and Holland & Barrett, as well as Paul Fox Estate Agents. Costa and Vision Express have both invested in refitting their units to enhance the customer experience, and O2 has joined the line-up of national and independent retailers at the centre.

Mark Dransfield, Chairman of Sheffield-based Dransfield Properties Ltd, said: “We are extremely proud of what has been achieved at Marshall’s Yard and to have played our part in creating a thriving and entrepreneurial town.

“We are grateful to our partners at Rothschild & Co and Just Group for their continued support. Our relationship spans a number of key projects, and their commitment to understanding our vision for sustainable town centre regeneration has been invaluable.”

Dransfield Properties has also evolved the way the company works, using the company’s in-house expertise to expedite agreements — with this latest refinancing completed in just eight weeks.

As well as the in-house team, the transaction was supported by Ian Gordon at Myerson Solicitors, Simon Harrop at CBRE, who assisted with valuations, and Mariche Chambers at Squire Patton Boggs.

For more information about Marshall’s Yard, visit www.marshallsyard.co.uk 

For further information, contact:

Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: pr@dransfield.co.uk