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UK: A 150-unit coliving scheme in Hackney has been given Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator in 13 weeks, thought to be a new record.
The scheme, on Kingsland Road, is by Morro, a sister brand of student developer and operator Scape. It is thought Kingsland Road is the fastest new-build scheme to achieve approval under the Building Safety Act regulations. Principal contractor HG Construction can now start building works on site.
The Building Safety Regulator’s official target for Gateway 2 approval is 12 weeks. The average time is 43 weeks but some projects have been held up for more than a year.
Morro, the sister brand of student living specialist Scape, said the news means its scheme on Kingsland Road, known as the Kline, is the fastest new build scheme to achieve gateway 2 approval under the Building Safety Act.
Morro is real estate company Meanwhile Group’s coliving brand. Founder Adam Brockley said: “Securing Gateway 2 approval for Kingsland Road in record time is a significant moment of confidence for investors and developers, particularly in the build-to-rent sector, that want to continue to deliver new housing in the UK. Strong collaboration and communication between all parties and quality processes have been instrumental to reaching this milestone, which demonstrates a clear benchmark for navigating Gateway 2.”
Project manager on the scheme is Pareto Projects. Its managing director Kuli Bajwa said: “When the new gateway regime was introduced, the industry faced significant delays but it’s clear the BSR has now adopted a more responsive and collaborative approach and we feel we are finally being heard. This milestone shows what’s possible when everyone works with clarity, discipline and a shared commitment to safety and quality.”
Delay in Gateway 2 approval is one of themain reasons for decreasing viability in new living sector asset delivery, with planning applications and future projected delivery significantly down on previous years. Recent research from Bidwells (September 2025) found BTR planning applications have fallen to their lowest level since 2015 and current submissions are 35 per cent below the 10-year average. Between Q1 2027 and Q4 2028, only 8,246 BTR, single-family and coliving homes are projected to complete, compared with 32,527 between 2025 and 2026.
Highlights:
• A 150-unit coliving scheme in Hackney has been given Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator in 13 weeks, thought to be a new record
• The scheme, on Kingsland Road, is by Morro, a sister brand of student developer and operator Scape
• The Building Safety Regulator’s official target for Gateway 2 approval is 12 weeks. The average time is 43 weeks but some projects have been held up for more than a year
