Firethorn has secured Gateway 2 approval for a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Hackney Wick, East London.
The Stour Road scheme will provide 204 student bed spaces, 35% of which will be affordable in partnership with a London HEI/university.
The on-site amenity provision will include co-working study spaces, common rooms, a gym and two outdoor roof terraces.
Construction works have already begun on site with HG Construction appointed to deliver the project alongside project manager Quartz Project Services and architect Henley Halebrown. Practical completion is due in time for the 2028/29 academic year.
Paul Martin, head of development at Firethorn, said: “Gateway 2 is a critical stage in the build journey, requiring significant coordination across project teams to demonstrate sound compliance. This approval reflects Firethorn’s sharp focus on build safety and quality, and the invaluable expertise of our trusted project partners, which has enabled us to successfully navigate the BSR’s enhanced regulatory requirements.
“It marks an important milestone for Stour Road, allowing us to proceed with full-scale construction, continuing the project at pace so we can fully realise our vision for the site – delivering high quality, sustainable, and affordable student housing in the heart of Hackney. Working in close partnership with HG Construction, the development will create a vibrant and engaging higher education hub that will not only meet growing market demand, but will also help to provide tangible community benefit to both students and local residents.”
Adam Quinn, CEO of HG Construction, added: “Securing Gateway 2 approval is a great endorsement of the collaborative approach we’ve taken with Firethorn, Quartz and Henley Halebrown from day one. Having successfully delivered a number of schemes across Hackney, we’re proud to continue building our presence in the borough through projects like Stour Road, which combines strong design ambition with a genuine commitment to community impact.
“Our in-house self-delivery capabilities, from M&E to offsite manufacturing, give us the programme certainty to keep this project moving at pace, and we’re proud to be helping Firethorn deliver high quality, affordable student living at the heart of Hackney Wick. With construction now underway, we’re excited to move into the next phase and bring this landmark development to life.”
