Volumetric developer Tide has become the first firm in the UK to clear Gateway 2 approval for a modular high rise project under the new Building Safety regime

The approval means work can now start on the firm’s 23-storey, 424-bed student accommodation tower The Green in Southall, west London — marking a major breakthrough for the offsite sector.

The approval provides a replicable blueprint for how volumetric construction can meet the Building Safety Regulator’s exacting standards, offering a model for future high-rise schemes.

Tide gained planning consent in January and will deliver the project alongside its sister company and offsite manufacturer, Vision Volumetric.

Both firms’ in-house design and technical teams, supported by their consultant partners, steered the landmark project through Gateway 2 by demonstrating full compliance through Tide and Vision’s integrated volumetric model.

Looking ahead to Gateway 3, Vision’s advanced factory controls and rigorous quality assurance processes will enable the teams to fully document every stage in line with the Building Safety Regulator’s requirements.

Each volumetric unit undergoes six independent quality assurance sign-offs before leaving the factory, while every build stage is digitally tracked with scannable QR codes, providing instant access to all relevant documentation.

Christy Hayes, CEO of Tide and Vision, said: “Securing the UK’s first Gateway 2 approval for a volumetric building is a landmark moment for Tide and Vision. Strong collaboration and regular communication with the regulatory lead and multi-disciplinary team have been key to this project.

“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.”