By Sarah Donnelly · Published 30 October 2026 · 2 min read
Westminster City Council and McLaren Construction have secured Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator for the £229 million Ebury Bridge Estate regeneration. The regulatory clearance allows structural construction to begin on the high-rise residential project in central London.
Background
The Building Safety Act 2022 mandates that all higher-risk buildings must pass a rigorous Gateway 2 assessment before any construction work can start. The BSR evaluates the detailed design and construction control plans to ensure compliance with updated building regulations. The Ebury Bridge project is one of the largest council-led housing delivery schemes in the capital.
Industry implications
Achieving Gateway 2 approval on a £229 million project demonstrates that the new regulatory framework is functioning for major developments. However, the preparation required for the BSR submission demands significant upfront investment in design finalization and compliance documentation. Contractors failing to meet these standards face costly delays before breaking ground.
What contractors should do now
Firms bidding for higher-risk building projects must factor BSR determination periods into their procurement and mobilization schedules. Design teams need to freeze specifications earlier in the project lifecycle to prevent delays during the Gateway 2 review process. Principal contractors must also ensure their supply chain is prepared to provide comprehensive product data.
Expert view
The approval serves as a critical test case for the Building Safety Regulator. It proves that complex, high-value residential schemes can clear the new regulatory hurdles when principal designers and contractors collaborate effectively on the safety case. The successful application by McLaren Construction sets a benchmark for documentation quality in the sector.
What happens next
McLaren Construction will now mobilize its supply chain to begin the main structural works. The project team must maintain strict change control procedures throughout the build to satisfy the BSR at the final Gateway 3 inspection.
Sources
- CDM Clarity — CDM Clarity
