Aluprof UK Supports Specifiers in Achieving Gateway 2 Compliance

Under the Building Safety Act 2022, Gateway 2 has become a defining regulatory stage for high-rise residential developments in the UK. It applies to "higher-risk buildings" - typically those exceeding 18 metres in height or comprising seven or more storeys with at least two residential units. Before any construction can begin on-site, developers must obtain approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), with a robust building control application that clearly demonstrates compliance with all relevant Building Regulations, particularly in the areas of fire and structural safety.

This pre-construction submission goes significantly beyond traditional building control documentation. At Gateway 2, specifiers and architects must ensure the inclusion of detailed architectural drawings, engineering calculations, and product specifications, along with a fire and emergency strategy and proof of competency from those managing the project. Importantly, the submission must outline a strategy for maintaining the "Golden Thread" - a clear, live record of safety-critical information that spans the entire lifecycle of the building. Design changes during construction must also be planned for and fully reportable to the BSR.

Gateway 2 is one of three stages introduced to enhance safety standards across the built environment:

• Gateway 1 - Pre-Planning: Integrates safety risk analysis into planning proposals.
• Gateway 2 - Pre-Construction: Requires confirmation that the final design complies with Building Regulations before any construction begins.
• Gateway 3 - Post-Construction: Provides a final approval check before occupancy is permitted.

For specifiers and architects, Gateway 2 presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge lies in navigating more rigorous requirements and ensuring that design intent aligns with evolving regulatory expectations. The opportunity comes in the form of greater collaboration, higher-quality outputs, and safer, more resilient buildings.

Aluprof UK has positioned itself as a key partner for design teams working on Gateway 2-compliant projects. With a comprehensive range of third-party-tested façade and window systems, Aluprof supports specifiers in meeting performance standards across fire resistance, thermal efficiency, and structural integrity. Our major projects team works directly with architects and façade contractors to assemble fully compliant technical documentation for BSR submissions - simplifying a process that many find increasingly complex.

As a vertically integrated business, Aluprof delivers system design, manufacturing, and testing entirely in-house. This structure enables tighter control over product quality, lead times, and technical performance - giving specifiers peace of mind when selecting façade systems for regulated projects. It also allows for greater product customisation and design flexibility, ensuring architectural vision isn’t compromised by compliance pressures.

Between October 2023 and September 2024, the BSR received 1,018 Gateway 2 submissions - but approved only 146, reflecting an approval rate of just 14%. A further 25 applications were rejected, while the status of over 800 remains unclear. The delays have been attributed to incomplete documentation, rising demand, and limited internal resources at the BSR. For specifiers and project leads, this highlights the importance of precise, comprehensive submissions and close coordination with system manufacturers.

The BSR continues to refine its processes and has urged the construction industry to prioritise clarity and completeness when submitting Gateway 2 applications. That message is especially relevant for architects, engineers, and specifiers, who often play a central role in coordinating and assembling the required documentation.

Ultimately, Gateway 2 isn’t just a regulatory checkpoint - it represents a major shift in how the UK construction industry approaches design responsibility, accountability, and building safety. For specifiers and architects, this means taking a more proactive role in ensuring that every element of a building's design meets the necessary standards before a single spade hits the ground.

Aluprof UK is committed to making that process smoother and more reliable. By offering thoroughly tested façade systems and working in close partnership with design teams, Aluprof helps specifiers navigate the complexities of Gateway 2 with confidence. Our in-house technical expertise, end-to-end product control, and collaborative approach mean that essential compliance documentation is not only accurate but also aligned with the project’s aesthetic and performance goals.

In a regulatory environment where clarity, quality, and consistency are more important than ever, Aluprof UK empowers specifiers to deliver safer, more resilient buildings - on time, on budget, and in full compliance with the Building Safety Act.