Getting used to the Gateway process in construction can be tricky to navigate. Introduced by the UK government in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy (2017) and the subsequent Hackitt Review, there are three Gateways to go through during each stage of design and construction, helping to address the crucial life-safety focus at the earliest possible point.
If you feel confused by what’s required, let’s make it more Simple.
What is the Gateway process?
The Gateway process is a three-fold system designed to ensure that new residential and commercial developments are not only built quickly and efficiently, but, more importantly, uphold rigorous standards of life safety.
From the earliest design concepts right up to final occupancy, the Gateway process imposes crucial checkpoints intended to reduce risks and improve governance, while ultimately enhancing project outcomes for both investors and end-users.
Before the introduction of the Gateway process, the construction sector faced repeated criticisms over cost overruns, delayed schedules, and, most alarmingly, inadequate safety features. In the worst cases, this lag in safety provisions had devastating outcomes, prompting a call for stronger regulations.
The Gateway process arose as a direct response to these concerns. By mandating that developers address specific safety and quality requirements at each ‘gateway’, including considerations for materials, fire safety, structural integrity and occupant well-being, life-saving measures are placed at the heart of every project.
What are the Gateway stages?
The Gateway process unfolds across three defined stages.
- Gateway One typically aligns with the planning stage, where developers must demonstrate a robust rationale for the project, complete with initial designs that incorporate safety considerations such as fire escape routes and building accessibility.
- Gateway Two coincides with the pre-construction phase, demanding more detailed plans on the structure’s fire and building safety systems, as well as supply-chain and risk management strategies.
- Gateway Three arrives before occupation can occur, ensuring that what was promised and designed in earlier stages has been fully implemented – and that all safety measures are in place before residents or employees move in.
Each ‘gateway’ serves as both a checkpoint and a feedback loop. If a project fails to meet the requirements at a particular stage, it must rectify deficiencies and resubmit.
This system not only prevents hasty progress on structurally unsound or unsafe designs but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement, where every stakeholder is expected to be aware of their responsibilities, timelines and the life-critical importance of compliance.
How Simple can help with Gateway Consultancy:
At Simple Group, our Gateway Consultancy service transforms what might seem like a regulatory hurdle into a strategic opportunity for developers. By applying our deep expertise in compliance, regulations and real-world project execution, we guide clients through each stage of the Gateway process with clarity and confidence. Rather than seeing Gateways as roadblocks, we help reframe them as milestones that enhance building safety, durability and design integrity.
Here’s how we do it:
- Proactive Planning: From the earliest stages of design, we help identify and address potential compliance challenges – avoiding costly redesigns and delays further down the line.
- Efficient Documentation: Our team simplifies the process of capturing and presenting safety features, easing the administrative load while maintaining full regulatory alignment.
- Robust Risk Management: We conduct comprehensive risk assessments and recommend proven mitigation strategies, reducing the chance of project disruptions due to safety concerns.
- Internal Auditing: Before formal reviews, we provide independent checks that increase the likelihood of each Gateway being passed on the first submission.
By designing projects to flow smoothly through each stage, we reduce the need for rework and minimise friction with regulatory bodies. The result? Safer developments, more predictable timelines, and tighter budget control.
Building with Purpose, Backed by Expertise
The Gateway process signals more than just regulatory evolution – it reflects a broader industry shift toward accountability, occupant safety and long-term performance. Developers who engage early and work with Simple Group are positioned to deliver high-quality buildings with greater efficiency, fewer delays, and enhanced reputations.
Want to do things The Simple Way? Contact us to find out more.