Russell Bolton Consulting (RBC) has provided project management and technical support for a recladding project at the Express Networks 3 building in Ancoats, Manchester, using its expertise to fulfil the Gateway 2 submission requirements under the Building Safety Act.
The project will include the removal of existing façade materials and the installation of a fully compliant non-combustible cladding system. The building’s external envelope is complex, incorporating render, steel sheet cladding, cedar timber cladding, stone cladding, metal balustrades and extensive glazing, with the site constrained by surrounding footpaths, alleyways, and public highways.
The RBC team worked closely with Reactive FM, appointed as Principal Contractor, to coordinate and manage the Gateway 2 submission to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). This included aligning detailed design information, fire and structural strategies, construction methodology, programme, risk registers, and compliance documentation to meet the regulatory expectations of a higher-risk building. The team also ensured that the design aligned with conditions set out by Homes England in order to help secure grant funding.
RBC assisted in forming a strong multi-disciplinary team which helped de-risk the project and streamline the approval process, successfully completing the Gateway 2 submission in December 2025. Works are now expected to commence in June 2026.
Riyaaz Patel, Associate at Russell Bolton Consulting, said: “Our role was to bring clarity and structure to the submission process, ensuring that design, construction methodology and safety information were fully coordinated and aligned with Building Safety Regulator requirements. We’re pleased to have been able to support Reactive FM and the wider project team through this process, ensuring the building is now positioned for a compliant and efficient delivery phase.”
Image credit: Reactive FM