Real estate investor, developer and asset manager, Firethorn, has reached a significant regulatory milestone at its purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) site in Hackney Wick, East London, after successfully securing Gateway 2 approval.
Stour Road will comprise 204 modern student bed spaces, 35% of which will be affordable accommodation in partnership with a London HEI/University. Residents will benefit from generous amenities, including co-working study spaces, common rooms, an on-site gym, and two outdoor roof terraces.
Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) confirms that the detailed design and construction control arrangements meet critical safety requirements and provide greater regulatory certainty, as outlined in the Building Safety Act.
Full-scale construction works has begun on site, with HG Construction appointed to deliver the project, alongside project managers, Quartz Project Services, and architects Henley Halebrown. Practical completion is due in time for the 2028/29 academic year.
This marks the second Gateway 2 approval secured by Firethorn in the past six months, following a successful application at its PBSA site on Stratford High Street, London.
Paul Martin, Head of Development at Firethorn, said:
“Gateway 2 is a critical stage in the build journey, requiring significant coordination across project teams to demonstrate sound compliance. This approval reflects Firethorn’s sharp focus on build safety and quality, and the invaluable expertise of our trusted project partners, which has enabled us to successfully navigate the BSR’s enhanced regulatory requirements.
“It marks an important milestone for Stour Road, allowing us to proceed with full-scale construction, continuing the project at pace so we can fully realise our vision for the site – delivering high-quality, sustainable, and affordable student housing in the heart of Hackney.
“Working in close partnership with HG Construction, the development will create a vibrant and engaging Higher Education hub that will not only meet growing market demand, but will also help to provide tangible community benefit to both students and local residents.”
In line with Firethorn’s strong commitment to deliver positive impact to the areas in which it builds, it will work with a local community interest group to create around 1,400 sq. m. of affordable and incubator workspace at the site, to help support the local creative industry.
Adding to its growing PBSA platform, the Stour Road development reflects Firethorn’s wider strategy of creating high-quality student accommodation in key university cities across the UK. The site is set within a lively student district and is just a short walk from University Arts London and UCL East.
The development incorporates a range of sustainable design features, including the preservation of the site’s historic brick chimney, and has a target BREEAM “Excellent” rating in line with Firethorn’s ESG commitments.
Adam Quinn, CEO at HG Construction, said:
“Securing Gateway 2 approval is a great endorsement of the collaborative approach we’ve taken with Firethorn, Quartz and Henley Halebrown from day one. Having successfully delivered a number of schemes across Hackney, we’re proud to continue building our presence in the borough through projects like Stour Road, which combines strong design ambition with a genuine commitment to community impact. Our in-house self-delivery capabilities, from M&E to offsite manufacturing, give us the programme certainty to keep this project moving at pace, and we’re proud to be helping Firethorn deliver high-quality, affordable student living at the heart of Hackney Wick. With construction now underway, we’re excited to move into the next phase and bring this landmark development to life.”
The site forms part of Firethorn’s Living portfolio, which also includes a 264-bed PBSA development on Stratford High Street, London, Folk Dublin, a 716-bed hybrid hotel, and the office-to-hotel conversion of 5 Lloyd’s Avenue in the City of London.