Developer Morro has secured what it describes as the industry’s fastest Building Safety Act approval, with its Kingsland Road co-living scheme in Hackney clearing Gateway 2 in just 13 weeks. The Building Safety Regulator’s rapid sign-off allows main contractor HG Construction to move straight into delivery on the long-vacant builders’ yard site overlooking Regent’s Canal.
The Meanwhile Group’s Morro brand, working alongside development manager Pareto Projects and principal designer Veretec, has now achieved both planning consent and Gateway 2 approval within the same calendar year. This dual success comes as many schemes continue to encounter delays under the still-settling Building Safety Act regime.
Design teams engaged early with the Local Fire Authority and the Building Safety Regulator to demonstrate compliance on fire strategy, structure, façades, building services and sustainability. That upfront coordination was used to strip out risk, maintain momentum through the review process and avoid the bottlenecks seen on other projects.
Adam Brockley, founder and group chief development officer at Meanwhile, said the record Gateway 2 approval offers a “significant moment of confidence” for investors and developers, particularly in the build-to-rent market, looking to keep housing pipelines moving. He credited strong collaboration, clear communication and robust processes – including work with Building Safety Regulator contact Deborah Bashton – with setting a benchmark for navigating the new regime.
Pareto Projects managing director Kuli Bajwa said that while the introduction of the Gateway system initially led to widespread delays, the regulator has now adopted a more responsive and collaborative stance. Bajwa added that the Kingsland Road milestone shows what can be achieved when all parties operate with clarity, discipline and a shared focus on safety and quality.
The Kingsland Road project will transform the disused yard into a co-living development with new workspace and resident amenities, including a gym and rooftop terrace. The scheme sits within 300 metres of Haggerston Overground station, adding higher-density housing and mixed-use space in a well-connected inner London location.
