Torsion Group’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme on Kirkstall Road in Leeds has received Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator.
Securing Gateway 2 approval is a significant milestone that confirms the development meets all required design, safety and golden thread standards, and is now fully authorised to proceed to construction.
Designed by Leeds-based Cunniff Design, the ten-storey development will deliver – through Torsion Group’s fully integrated business model – 205 studio apartments. Torsion Group is the investor in the project, the developer and contractor, and will operate the asset through LUNA Students.
This joined-up approach gives the developer full accountability across every stage of the project, ensuring a consistent focus on quality, safety and the resident experience.
“At Torsion, we’ve always built with residents in mind. Long before the Building Safety Act came into force, our projects were shaped by a strong focus on safety, transparency, and doing things the right way.”
Torsion Group
The Gateway 2 process has brought a new level of regulatory oversight. It is clear that the Regulator is capturing learning and improving the system in real time. Torsion Group fully supports this and considers it a positive shift for the industry.
The company is also preparing to share its own learning and feedback from the process – which was led by Martin Wing – to help others prepare and improve.
“A special thank you to Martin Wing for leading the process, with support from Simon Dodson within Torsion, and to our project partners Cunniff Design, Roscoe and Orion Fire Engineering for their contribution throughout.
“This milestone is proof of what can be achieved through experience, collaboration and attention to detail.”
Torsion Group
Zenzic Capital provided a preferred equity facility for the development of the £43.5m gross development value (GDV) Kirkstall Road scheme.
