NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has launched its third iteration of its Modular Buildings framework agreement.
The third iteration of the framework agreement aims to accelerate the delivery of vital infrastructure across the UK’s healthcare, education, and housing sectors.
Modular construction, which involves the off-site manufacture of building components in a controlled factory environment before assembly on-site, offers a quicker, more sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional construction methods.
The new framework agreement, titled Modular Buildings 3, provides public sector organisations with a compliant and efficient procurement route to access modular solutions from a range of pre-approved suppliers.
NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has launched its third iteration of its Modular Buildings framework agreement
Tailored to meet the urgent infrastructure needs of the NHS, schools, housing providers, and other public services, the framework encompasses options for new builds, hire, and lease arrangements.
Kat Jackson, Principal Category Manager at NHS SBS, said: “NHS SBS’s Modular Buildings 3 framework agreement offers an opportunity to fast-track the construction of homes, schools, and NHS facilities, aligning with the government’s commitment outlined in the recent Spending Review to tackle the housing crisis, modernise healthcare infrastructure and improve education environments.
“The framework facilitates rapid access to and delivery of essential infrastructure, enabling all public sector organisations to compliantly procure modular solutions from reputable suppliers.”
The unveiling of the new framework coincides with recent government announcements at the Spending Review, which confirmed significant investment in the UK’s capital infrastructure programmes.
The third iteration of the framework agreement aims to accelerate the delivery of vital infrastructure
This includes £39 billion over the next decade for the Affordable Homes Programme and a £2.4 billion annual allocation to the School Rebuilding Programme over the next four years.
These investments support ambitious government targets, such as the delivery of 1.5 million new homes by 2035 and the rebuilding of over 500 schools across the country.
In the healthcare sector, the NHS continues to face sustained operational pressures, with modular construction offering a vital means of rapidly expanding capacity for diagnostic facilities, GP surgeries, hospital wards and specialist units.
The framework will also play an important role in supporting the New Hospital Programme, which aims to deliver 25 new hospitals and replace ageing facilities built with unsafe materials like Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
The unveiling of the new framework coincides with recent government announcements at the Spending Review
In education, modular buildings provide a fast, affordable solution for the delivery of new classrooms and educational facilities, helping to improve learning environments and address capacity pressures.
The framework will also help tackle the NHS estate’s substantial maintenance backlog. The Chancellor recently confirmed £30 billion of funding over five years for maintenance and repairs, including £5 billion ringfenced for the most critical works.
Modular solutions will support trusts in providing temporary or permanent clinical and support spaces while estate improvement projects are undertaken.
“Modular construction can transform public sector infrastructure and with the framework agreement’s offer of faster, more affordable solutions, we can ensure critical healthcare, educational and housing projects are delivered on time and to the highest standards,” added Jackson.
“Modular construction will not only help meet pressing demand but also support the government’s wider infrastructure goals, from increasing NHS capacity to affordable housing delivery and helping to deliver better, safer educational spaces across the UK.”