Developer Downing has secured Building Safety Regulator Gateway 2 approval for its student accommodation scheme on Heber Street in Newcastle city centre where construction has been delayed by a year.

Building work will now start on site in March 2026 after an application was originally submitted in February.

The scheme will deliver 411 student bedrooms across three blocks of 10, 12 and 14 storeys designed by Simpson Haugh.

David Jenkinson, Development Manager at Downing, said: “Securing Gateway 2 approval is a major step forward for our Heber Street development, and we’re delighted to now be moving towards a start on site.

“This really is a testament to Downing’s commitment to the Building Safety Regulations. We’ve made a substantial up-front investment to secure the level of detailed design needed for the submission, and the project team has worked incredibly hard, both in preparing the initial application and in responding to regulatory feedback throughout the process.

“While the delay in the approval timeline is disappointing, it’s encouraging to have our first approval completed, and we’re ready to take what we’ve learned forward into future applications.”