Viridis Living — the consortium of Equitix, GRAHAM and Derwent FM — has reached a key landmark in the University of Manchester's Fallowfield Campus redevelopment, securing Building Safety Regulator (BSR) Gateway 2 approval for the first two higher‑risk buildings (HRBs).

In total, seven HRBs have been submitted to the regulator, with two now approved. Each cleared building rises to 14 storeys; one will provide 205 en‑suite beds and the other 207.

With Gateway 2 sign‑off in place, structural works on the two approved blocks will commence this month. Determinations on the remaining five HRBs are anticipated within the next two months.

The project team moved from planning approval to initial BSR approvals in just 15 weeks, demonstrating a collaborative, rapid response to the new regulatory framework.

Designed by Sheppard Robson, the Fallowfield Campus redevelopment will deliver up to 3,300 modern, high‑quality student homes across the former Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall sites, complemented by amenity spaces and extensive green infrastructure. The scheme targets Passivhaus certification and, once achieved, will become the largest certified Passivhaus project in Europe. It is also pursuing a BREEAM Excellent rating, with Modern Methods of Construction planned to enhance efficiency, cut waste and accelerate delivery.

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Neil McFarlane, GRAHAM Project Director for the Fallowfield Campus, said: "Securing Gateway 2 approval for the first two HRBs is a significant milestone for the Fallowfield Campus project and testament to the collaborative approach taken by the whole team. With structural works now able to commence on these two buildings, and further approvals expected in the coming months, we are making strong progress towards delivering safe, high-quality and sustainable student accommodation for Manchester."

Natalia Maximova, Partner, Sheppard Robson, said: "The Gateway 2 approval for the first two high-risk residential blocks is a testament to successful teamwork and effective collaboration, which would not have been possible without early supply chain input and specialist expertise. The focus of the Gateway 2 review was technical compliance, requiring a high level of co-ordination and design quality throughout the proposal. Key design decisions, such as the adoption of a precast cross-wall system and the extended use of concrete, added inherent fire safety properties to the scheme and simplified façade co-ordination. This has been a learning process for all participants and required full commitment from everyone. Well done to the project team."