Corporate services provider NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has unveiled the latest iteration of its modular construction framework, designed to fast-track the delivery of essential infrastructure projects across the UK.
The third generation of its modular buildings framework agreement, known as Modular Buildings 3, aims to provide a rapid, sustainable, and cost-effective solution to address urgent capacity demands within the NHS, education, housing, and wider public services.
Modular buildings, constructed off-site in controlled factory conditions, offer quicker build times, reduced disruption, and lower costs compared to traditional construction methods.
The refreshed framework offers public sector buyers access to pre-approved suppliers for a range of modular building services, including new builds, hire, or lease arrangements.
The third generation of its modular buildings framework agreement, known as Modular Buildings 3, aims to provide a rapid, sustainable, and cost-effective solution to address urgent capacity demands within the NHS
It arrives at a critical time for the UK’s public infrastructure, following substantial capital investment commitments in the government’s recent Spending Review.
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.”
Responding to pressing national infrastructure needs
The launch of Modular Buildings 3 dovetails with the government’s pledge to address the UK’s long-standing infrastructure challenges.
The Chancellor’s Spending Review confirmed £39 billion over the next decade for the Affordable Homes Programme and £2.4 billion per year for the School Rebuilding Programme over the next four years.
These initiatives support the government’s ambition to construct 1.5 million new homes by 2035 and rebuild more than 500 schools.
This arrives at a critical time for the UK’s public infrastructure, following substantial capital investment commitments in the government’s recent Spending Review
Within the healthcare sector, the New Hospital Programme, a flagship commitment to deliver 25 new hospitals and replace outdated facilities constructed from reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), highlights the urgent need for modern, efficient construction solutions.
With NHS services under significant pressure, particularly in reducing patient waiting lists and enhancing diagnostic and treatment capacity, modular buildings present a practical means to expand facilities swiftly.
Additionally, the NHS estate faces a sizeable maintenance backlog. The Spending Review earmarked £30 billion over five years for NHS facility maintenance and repairs, with £5 billion allocated for the most critical works.
Modular solutions provide an effective interim or permanent option to maintain service provision while essential repairs are undertaken.
A cost-effective, flexible procurement solution
The Modular Buildings 3 framework supports not only healthcare infrastructure but also aligns with the government’s wider public sector infrastructure ambitions, offering an adaptable procurement route for local authorities, NHS trusts, schools, and housing providers.
Jackson concluded: “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.
“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.”