HG Construction has proudly announced the attainment of its eighth Gateway 2 approval for 2025, following the regulatory clearance for a 24-storey student accommodation tower in the vibrant area of Elephant and Castle, London. This pivotal project, commissioned by Alumno, not only represents a significant step forward for HG Construction but also indicates that the Building Safety Regulator is beginning to expedite decisions within the approval framework.
Project Overview and Design
The ambitious project, designed by Maccreanor Lavington, will provide 244 student rooms on a compact brownfield site located adjacent to the railway arches on Rockingham and Tiverton Street. HG Construction is expected to commence construction on the visually appealing brick-clad tower in the upcoming New Year, signalling a robust commitment to enhancing the student accommodation landscape in London.
Momentum in Approvals
This latest approval adds to the growing momentum for HG Construction, especially following the remarkable completion of a 13-week Gateway 2 process for Morro’s co-living project in Hackney, which is noted as the fastest approval recorded to date. The contractor has also secured additional approvals for projects in key cities including London, Manchester, and Leeds, underscoring their expanding footprint in the UK PBSA market.
Current Gateway 2 Approved Schemes
Currently, HG Construction has several active projects that have received Gateway 2 approvals, including:
- Rockingham Street, London – Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
- Kingsland Road, London – Co-living
- Watford Way, Hendon – PBSA
- 65 Fleet Street, London – PBSA/Mixed Use
- Watkin Road, London – PBSA (two separate schemes/submissions)
- Millwright Street, Leeds – PBSA
- One Medlock Street, Manchester – PBSA
Insights from Leadership
Adam Quinn, CEO of HG Construction, expressed his satisfaction with the achievements, stating: “We’re rounding off the year with eight Gateway 2 approvals, highlighting the strength and quality of our submissions and teams, and placing HG in an extremely robust position moving into 2026.” Quinn pointed out that the year was marked by an initial phase of uncertainty within the industry, which transitioned into a steady influx of approvals from May onward after the company secured its inaugural sign-off at Medlock Street in Manchester.
In the latter half of 2025, HG Construction accumulated seven additional approvals in significantly shorter intervals. According to Quinn, this shift can be attributed to consistent engagement with regulators, enhanced collaboration among teams, and the application of lessons learned from previous submissions. He emphasised the importance of the regulator’s openness to engagement, particularly through maintaining a dedicated point of contact for ongoing communication and feedback.
Future Outlook
Quinn further noted, “Understanding the Building Safety Act has presented considerable challenges for the sector, but ultimately, these changes are expected to yield positive outcomes.” He is optimistic that 2026 will witness a surge in Gateway 2 approvals, which will instil confidence across the sector, benefiting clients and investors alike by providing greater certainty regarding delivery timelines and the overall viability of projects.
As the UK PBSA market continues to evolve, the recent achievements of HG Construction serve as a testament to the potential for innovative accommodation solutions and collaborative regulatory processes, paving the way for a more dynamic future in student living.