Tustin Estate: Gateway 2 Approval 

A major milestone for Tustin Estate Regeneration: Gateway 2 approval secured !

We’re delighted to announce that Tustin Estate Phase 2 has secured full Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator. This marks a significant milestone for our regeneration scheme in Southwark and brings us closer to delivering nearly 700 new homes, a vibrant central park, and lasting community benefits for the area. 

This approval represents months of collaborative effort across our internal team, Southwark Council, the Building Safety Regulator, and a network of 28+ specialist design and engineering partners. It is a testament to the quality of our design approach and our commitment to safety, sustainability, and community-centred regeneration. 

What is Gateway 2? 

Under the Building Safety Act, large housing developments go through a series of regulatory gateways to ensure they meet rigorous safety and compliance standards. Gateway 2 is the design phase approval, where the Building Safety Regulator reviews detailed technical and design information to confirm the project meets all statutory requirements. 

Securing this approval means that we have demonstrated that our design is compliant, robust, well-documented, and ready to progress toward construction. With only 4 minor requirements to address, we’ve demonstrated the strength of our collaborative design process and the maturity of experience with the regulator.  

The Gateway 2 design journey 

Reaching this milestone has been a rigorous and collaborative process: 

• 6-month intensive design phase: July 2025 to December 2025, led by an experienced multidisciplinary team appointed by Bouygues UK. 

• 900 detailed regulatory documents: We submitted nearly 900 documents to the Building Safety Regulator, reflecting the depth and precision required under the Building Safety Act. 

• Validation and review: Our submission was validated in late January 2026 and reviewed over 34 weeks, within the timeframe advertised by the BSR for complex projects. 

• Collaborative RFI process: Throughout the review period, we engaged closely with the Building Safety Regulator on technical queries, resolving most RFIs within 12 weeks. 

• Approval confirmed: On 18th October 2026, we received confirmation ourGateway 2 was Approved with Requirements. 

What this tells us about our approach 

The approval reflects three core strengths of our delivery model: 

• Thorough design: Nearly 900 documents mean we’ve documented every detail of the design, from structural engineering and fire safety to accessibility and sustainability. This rigour has resulted in minimal RFIs and rapid resolution on those we did receive. 

• Collaborative regulation: We didn’t just submit documents and wait. Throughout the review period, we worked closely with the Building Safety Regulator, understanding their concerns and addressing them promptly. This partnership approach made the process more efficient and effective. 

• Digital innovation: We developed second-generation digital templates and processes that enabled us to manage complex design information effectively. This innovation strengthens efficiency not just on Tustin Estate, but across all of our projects. 

“Gateway 2 approval is testament to the expertise and dedication of our team and design partners. The rigorous design process, collaborative approach with the regulator, and robust documentation framework have positioned Tustin Phase 2 as a benchmark for complex housing delivery under the Building Safety Act. We are confident in progressing toward Gateway 3 and construction” 

Marianne Chardon, Head of Design, Bouygues UK 

What comes next? 

Gateway 2 approval clears the path toward breaking ground on Phase 2 construction and ultimately Gateway 3 (handover). This means we’re one significant step closer to delivering the new homes, community spaces, and sustainable infrastructure that Southwark residents are expecting. 

With Phase 1 already completed and handed over to residents, and Phase 2 now approved, the Tustin Estate regeneration programme is building momentum. We remain committed to delivering on our promise of a vibrant, sustainable, community-centred estate. 

A genuine team achievement 

This approval isn’t the work of one team. It reflects the expertise, dedication, and collaborative spirit of: 

• Our internal Bouygues UK project team 

• 28+ specialist design, engineering, and technical partners 

• The Building Safety Regulator, who challenged us to refine our approach 

• Southwark Council, our partner on this regeneration 

• The Tustin Estate community, whose input shaped the design 

About the Tustin Estate project 

Tustin Estate is a four-phase regeneration programme in Southwark, delivering nearly 700 new homes, 1,800+ sqm of commercial space, a central park, and refurbishment of existing council homes. The scheme combines new affordable housing with comprehensive community benefits and sustainability. 

• Developer and Contractor: Bouygues UK 

• Location: Southwark, London 

• Scale: Nearly 700 new homes across 4 phases 

• Sustainability target: 94% carbon reduction 

• Timeline: Works commenced autumn 2022, completion planned 2030 

• Community recognition: Phase 1 awarded Pineapple Award for Community Engagement 

Gateway 2 approval is a moment to celebrate, but it’s also a milestone that keeps us focused on the next phase. We remain committed to delivering a regeneration programme that meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and community benefit. 

For further information about Tustin Estate, click here

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