In the UK, building safety has become a top priority. The introduction of new rules under the Building Safety Act 2022 means that building owners and those involved in planning, designing, constructing, and managing buildings must now handle safety information in a more structured way.

One of the most important changes is the need for a golden thread of information — a digital record that helps people understand how a building was built, what safety features it has, and how it should be managed safely over time. This is especially important for mixed-use buildings, where different types of spaces — residential, commercial, or leisure — exist in one structure.

This guide explains how the golden thread applies to mixed-use buildings and what you need to know to ensure compliance.

What Is the Golden Thread?

The term “golden thread of information” was introduced by Dame Judith Hackitt in her Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. It refers to an accurate, up-to-date, digital record of all safety-critical building information. This thread must follow a building from start to finish — including design, construction, use, and any future changes. It allows those responsible for a building to understand how it was built and maintained and to make informed decisions that help keep people safe.

For higher risk buildings, the golden thread is a legal requirement. These include buildings that are 18 metres or taller, have at least 7 storeys, and contain 2 or more residential units. Many mixed-use buildings fall into this category and must follow the same rules under the higher risk buildings regulations and fire safety laws.

At MosaicGT our app supports teams in organising and tracking the documentation that forms part of the golden thread. Especially in complex, higher risk building environments, having a simple, structured way to manage this information can save time, reduce errors, and strengthen safety oversight.

Why Mixed-Use Buildings Need Special Attention

Managing safety in mixed-use buildings is more complex than in buildings with only one type of use. Different parts of the building may be owned, operated, or occupied by different people. For example, one team might manage the flats above a shopping centre, while another is responsible for the shops below. This split in management means that coordinating building safety becomes more difficult, especially when safety risks cross over between residential and commercial areas.

A well-managed golden thread helps solve this problem. It gives everyone a shared, accurate record of the building’s safety features, design, and decisions made over time. This makes it easier to manage risks that span across the entire structure and to meet the principles of building regulations and fire safety. It also allows for clearer accountability, easier information sharing, and quicker responses during maintenance or emergencies.

Legal Rules You Must Follow

Several laws now govern how the golden thread must be created and managed. These include:

• The Building Safety Act 2022
• The Building (Higher-Risk Buildings Procedures) Regulations 2023
• The Higher-Risk Buildings (Management of Safety Risks, etc.) Regulations 2023
• The Higher-Risk Buildings (Keeping and Provision of Information, etc.) Regulations 2023

These rules set out who is responsible, what information must be collected, how it should be stored, and who must be able to access it. They are enforced by the Building Safety Regulator, which has the power to inspect buildings and take action if safety rules are not followed.

Golden Thread Responsibilities at Each Stage

Managing the golden thread involves different people at different points in the building’s life. These people are known as duty holders or accountable persons, depending on the stage of involvement.

During the design and construction phase, the responsibility falls on the principal designer, principal contractor, and other key professionals. These individuals must carefully record how the building is designed, why certain materials and methods were chosen, and what changes occurred during the build. They also need to make sure all this information is passed through the Gateway process — a series of key milestones designed to ensure safety is reviewed and approved at each stage. These Gateways cover planning, pre-construction, and final completion before occupancy.

Once the building is in use, the responsibility shifts. Those managing the building — whether it be residential block managers, commercial property owners, or shared facility operators — are expected to maintain the golden thread. They must ensure that all safety records remain up to date, reflect the current state of the building, and are accessible to those who need them. If the building is sold or new management is brought in, the golden thread must be handed over clearly and in full.

What to Include in the Golden Thread

The golden thread must contain all the information needed to understand how the building was designed, constructed, and is currently managed. In mixed-use buildings, this means gathering and maintaining information for all components of the structure — whether residential, retail, office, or other types of space.

This includes original plans, drawings, and safety strategies that show how the building was supposed to be built. It should also contain a record of all changes that were made during construction or refurbishment, including who made them and why. Certificates of compliance, details of safety systems (such as alarms, sprinklers, and ventilation), and fire safety assessments must also be included.

Beyond the initial construction information, the golden thread must store maintenance records, inspection logs, repair history, and up-to-date information about who is responsible for managing each area. This enables duty holders to identify, understand, and manage safety risks more effectively. The information must be accurate, clearly organised, easy to access, secure, and regularly reviewed to ensure it remains current.

Storing and Sharing the Information

The golden thread must be stored digitally. While there is no set software that must be used, the system chosen must meet certain expectations. It should keep the data safe, ensure those who need access can get it, and allow users to track changes — including who made them and when. It also needs to support the sharing of information with people such as residents, emergency responders, and the Building Safety Regulator.

Some teams use Building Information Modelling (BIM) software to create a 3D digital version of the building. Others use document management systems or cloud storage platforms. In all cases, the goal is the same: to make the golden thread a reliable, secure, and easy-to-use source of truth.

Mixed-Use Buildings: Common Challenges

Mixed-use buildings face unique difficulties when applying the golden thread. Here are some of the most common ones:

Multiple Responsible People

Different sections of the building may be owned or managed by different organisations. This makes it harder to assign clear responsibility unless roles are clearly defined from the start. Each accountable person is required to maintain the part of the golden thread that applies to their section. But without cooperation, gaps can appear.

Different Rules for Different Spaces

Retail units, gyms, offices, and residential flats each have their own safety needs. The golden thread must bring all of this together so the building is treated as one system — even if many people are involved.

Older Buildings

Many mixed-use buildings were built before the current laws existed. That means records might be missing or inaccurate. In these cases, you may need to carry out intrusive surveys to collect the right information to meet the regulations.

Changing Ownership

When a part of the building is sold, the golden thread must be handed over properly. That includes all records, documents, and digital files in a format the new owner can use. If not done well, this can lead to serious risks being overlooked.

Practical Advice for Building Owners and Duty Holders

If you’re involved in managing a mixed-use building, here are steps you can take now to improve your golden thread and ensure compliance:

• Start early – Don’t wait until the building is completed or sold
• Assign clear roles – Define who is responsible for each part of the record
• Choose the right tools – Use digital systems that allow updates, access control, and secure storage
• Keep information updated – Log changes as they happen
• Share where required – Residents, contractors, and emergency services should have access to the parts they need

While there’s no single way to handle everything, having a well-managed golden thread helps prevent confusion, errors, or missing information — all of which can put lives at risk.

How the Regulator Enforces the Rules

The Building Safety Regulator, now part of the Health and Safety Executive, oversees the enforcement of the Building Safety Act and associated regulations. Their role is to make sure that building owners, duty holders, and accountable persons are meeting their legal responsibilities. To do this, they have several powers.

They can carry out inspections at any time and review the building’s golden thread and safety case. If there are problems, they can issue warnings, improvement notices, or even stop building work altogether. In serious cases, they may take legal action. The regulator expects all higher risk building operators to show that they are meeting the requirements of the law — including providing complete, accurate, and accessible golden thread information.

Final Thoughts

The golden thread is not just a legal box to tick. It’s a way of building trust, improving safety, and helping people work together effectively.

For mixed-use buildings, the need for coordination and accurate records is even more important. With different uses, owners, and risks involved, a shared source of truth helps ensure that every part of the building is safe — for residents, workers, and visitors alike.

We’re focused on helping you manage information and responsibilities better. Our app supports teams in recording, tracking, and organising the details that keep your buildings safe and compliant. While we don’t offer safety services, we believe our tools can help you build a stronger foundation for compliance — one that’s built to last.