Leeds PBSA achieves Gateway 2 approval

Torsion Group has received Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator for its new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development on Kirkstall Road in Leeds. The 10-storey scheme, which will deliver 205 studio apartments, is now fully authorised to proceed to construction.

The approval confirms that the development meets the requirements of the Building Safety Act, including the mandated golden thread of information, and has passed the Regulator’s design and safety scrutiny under the Gateway 2 process. This stage is critical in the lifecycle of higher-risk residential buildings, ensuring that construction cannot begin until a scheme is demonstrably safe and compliant.

Torsion Group is acting as investor, developer, and contractor on the project. Upon completion, the asset will be operated by LUNA Students, the group’s dedicated management arm. This vertically integrated model provides the company with full accountability across all phases of delivery, from design and construction through to operation.

The Kirkstall Road development has been shaped by a resident-focused approach, according to Torsion, which notes that its internal processes aligned with many of the Building Safety Act’s principles even prior to the legislation coming into force. The company has emphasised its support for the increased regulatory oversight introduced by the Gateway system and is planning to share its learning and experience to support wider industry preparedness.

Project partners on the scheme include Cunniff Design, Roscoe, and Orion Fire Engineering. Internal project leadership was provided by Martin Wing, with support from Simon Dodson.

Construction on the Leeds PBSA is expected to commence shortly, with the Gateway 2 milestone marking a key step forward for the scheme and for Torsion Group’s pipeline of student housing projects.