Equity backer to fuel Stack acceleration
Kings Park Capital has invested in leisure operator Stack, which has grown from its original shipping container-based Newcastle destination to develop venues across the North and Midlands.
Stack has become known for its fusion of bars, live entertainment, and leisure activities, alongside an all-day street food offer led by local independent vendors.
Founded by Neill Winch in 2017, Stack’s initial success came through using a “meanwhile” site in Newcastle that is now part of the Pilgrim Quarter project.
Stack Seaburn then opened in 2020, with plans afoot to open projects close to St James’ Park, in collaboration with Newcastle United, and a flagship venue at Worswick Chambers in 2025 – the former on the container model, the latter a revitalisation of the grade two-listed building.
Plans are also in motion for Stack venues at Middlesbrough, Durham and Whitley Bay, while the firm last year acquired the Hatch container scheme in Manchester from its original owner Bruntwood.
Stack Lincoln is now under construction, while plans in Carlisle, Northampton, Bishop Auckland and next to the O2 Academy in Sheffield are also moving ahead, this project roster being a mix of container parks and reinventing vacant retail space.
KPC said that its investment will be used to accelerate Stack’s growth and realise the team’s vision of delivering these transformative projects.
Partner Jamie Tillman said: “We are excited to be partnering with STACK and are committed to supporting Neill and his exceptional team in its ambitious expansion. We believe STACK’s unique leisure hubs will become landmarks in towns and cities throughout the UK.”
Neill Winch, managing director of STACK, commented, “Teaming up with Kings Park Capital, a specialist investor in the leisure sector, is instrumental for our growth. This investment will enable our extensive pipeline of new STACK venues to become a reality.”
Current investments listed on the KPC website include burger chain 7Bone, Highland Coast Hotels and travel firm Specialist Journeys, while it backed North East hospitality firm Inn Collection Group from its inception and has since reinvested.