Tide Achieves Landmark UK First: Gateway 2 Approval for High-Rise Volumetric Student Accommodation

Volumetric developer Tide has secured a ground breaking approval, marking the UK’s first Gateway 2 sign-off for a high-rise volumetric scheme. This significant milestone clears the path for construction to commence on ‘The Green,’ a 23-storey, 424-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Southall, West London. The approval signifies a major advancement for the offsite construction sector, establishing a replicable model for volumetric projects to meet stringent building safety regulations.

Key Takeaways

Pioneering Approval: Tide’s ‘The Green’ is the first high-rise volumetric building in the UK to receive Gateway 2 approval under the Building Safety Act.
Project Green Light: This approval allows construction to begin immediately on the 23-storey, 424-bed student accommodation tower in Southall.
Industry Benchmark: The project sets a precedent for how volumetric construction can meet rigorous safety standards, offering a blueprint for future high-rise developments.
Integrated Approach: Tide collaborated closely with its sister company and offsite manufacturer, Vision Volumetric, leveraging an integrated design and manufacturing model.
Regulatory Compliance: The approval was achieved through meticulous documentation and quality assurance processes, demonstrating full compliance with the Building Safety Regulator’s requirements.

A New Era for Volumetric Construction

The successful navigation of Gateway 2 by Tide and Vision Volumetric represents a significant breakthrough for the offsite construction industry. The project’s integrated design and manufacturing approach, coupled with robust quality assurance, has proven that volumetric methods can meet the exacting standards set by the Building Safety Regulator for high-rise buildings.

Rigorous Quality Assurance and Digital Tracking

Vision Volumetric’s advanced factory controls and stringent quality assurance processes were instrumental in achieving this approval. Each volumetric unit undergoes six independent quality checks before leaving the factory. Furthermore, every stage of the build process is digitally tracked using scannable QR codes, providing instant access to all relevant documentation. This meticulous approach ensures a comprehensive and traceable record, often referred to as the ‘golden thread,’ from manufacturing to site completion.

Collaboration and Future Confidence

Christy Hayes, CEO of Tide and Vision, highlighted the importance of strong collaboration and consistent communication with the regulatory lead and the multi-disciplinary team. “Securing the UK’s first Gateway 2 approval for a volumetric building is a landmark moment for Tide and Vision,” Hayes stated. “By working hand-in-hand with the regulator, we have fine-tuned our documentation and quality processes to align fully with Gateway requirements. This gives us confidence in navigating Gateway 3 and future approvals, while setting a clear benchmark for volumetric construction across the industry.”

Paving the Way Forward

With Gateway 2 approval secured, Tide is now focused on Gateway 3. The established factory controls and documentation processes are expected to facilitate a smooth completion and certification phase. The successful progression of ‘The Green’ provides a tangible and workable benchmark for other developers considering Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) for high-rise projects, demonstrating that compliance can be integrated from the outset.