Build UK updates Gateway Two guidance

Build UK has updated its Gateway Two guidance to help contractors meet new building safety requirements for higher-risk residential buildings, in line with the Building Safety Act 2022.

Gateway Two is a critical checkpoint introduced after Grenfell to improve fire and structural safety in multi-storey residential projects. Before starting construction, developers must submit a fully validated design for approval by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). Without this approval, work cannot begin.

The refreshed Build UK guidance focuses on practical tools for preparing compliant submissions, including templates for application validation, document management, and phased developments. It complements a wider suite of materials published this month by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), with Build UK’s tools formally referenced in the CLC documents.

These updates are especially relevant to the concrete construction sector, where compliance issues around fire safety, reinforcement cover, and structural integrity are critical. From formwork subcontractors to Tier 1 contractors overseeing full-frame delivery, everyone has a role in Gateway Two—and delays or errors in submissions can halt projects before ground is broken.

Build UK’s guidance reflects growing concerns across the industry that the Building Safety Regulator is taking a firm line on submissions that fall short. Early experiences suggest that incomplete or unclear documentation is already causing costly delays, reinforcing the need for contractors to understand and meet the new requirements from the outset.

While large contractors may already have in-house teams managing safety case documents, Build UK’s updates are also designed to support SMEs. The guidance aims to demystify the process and provide ready-to-use tools for smaller contractors who may not have dedicated compliance staff but are still legally accountable under the Act.

The new documents are available now on the Build UK website and include step-by-step resources for preparing Gateway Two applications in line with BSR expectations.

For more information, visit Build UK.