IW Capital, a leading private equity house, has announced that a landmark £8.7m will be invested in Rockwater – a leading chain of high-quality lifestyle and hospitality destinations. IW has now invested over £120m in UK SMEs, helping to drive business growth across the country whilst amassing a highly impressive and sector-agnostic portfolio.

The £8.7m which is due to be invested in Rockwater will enable the acquisition and development of two new beach-side hospitality venues in Sandbanks and Branksome. This marks the next phase of Rockwater’s exciting journey, adding to the existing and successful site in Hove.

The two main buildings will be converted into lifestyle destinations on the south coast – creating high quality restaurants, bars and venues for events. The additional buildings on each site will also be refurbished and redesigned in the style of Hove’s Shacks by the Shore, all of which will be rebranded as ‘Rockwater’.

With the total amount to be invested into the new locations topping £8.7million, the venues in Branksome and Sandbanks aim to similarly regenerate the seafront and drive tourism footfall both nationally and internationally.

Following the huge popularity of the Hove site, Rockwater Sandbanks & Branksome will continue to demonstrate the value that hospitality venues have in serving the community, providing a location for events from yoga to poetry, alongside restaurants and entertainment. The venues will also employ a large number of local residents, with Rockwater Hove currently employing around 300 staff.

Luke Davis, CEO and Founder of Rockwater commented:

“Following the excellent success of Rockwater Hove, we are proud to now announce the next phase of the Rockwater brand, Rockwater Sandbanks & Branksome. Covering two seafront sites – Branksome and Sandbanks cafes – the two venues will be linked through the concept of the Rockwater Village. The new venues will completely change the way these seafronts operate, offering an elevated and community-driven hospitality experience.

“In keeping with Branksome and Sandbanks’ community-driven ethos, the venues will aim to serve as a new community hub to nurture the mental and physical well-being of all visitors. As my passion project, I want Rockwater Village to become the heart of the community, providing a go-to venue for lifestyle and wellness events which breaks the mould of the traditional hospitality venue that Brits might have become accustomed to.”

Tariq Attia, Director of IW Capital commented:

“We are delighted to announce that a total of £8,700,000 will be invested in Rockwater Sandbanks & Branksome Ltd. This investment comes after the brand has already established a successful and iconic location with Rockwater in Hove, and we’re looking forward to the expansion of this exciting lifestyle concept.

“The funds will be used to develop two beachside sites which have been acquired in Branksome and Sandbanks, turning them into some of the most modern and stylish lifestyle destinations on the south coast. We’re very excited to be bringing these landmark developments to both areas, providing sought-after locations offering high-quality restaurants, bars and venues for events.”