Framework Agreement to support cost effective, high quality modular builds for Healthcare, Education and Housing, unveiled. Leading corporate services provider NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS), has unveiled the third iteration of its framework agreement, Modular Buildings 3, to accelerate the construction of vital infrastructure across the UK.
Modular buildings are constructed offsite in a controlled factory environment, meaning they can be built more quickly, sustainably and with less disruption than traditional methods, whilst delivering significant cost savings.
Tailored to meet the urgent needs of the NHS, schools, housing providers and other public services, NHS SBS’s framework agreement offers a cost-effective procurement route for buyers to access modular building solutions from pre-vetted vendors – be it for new builds, hire or lease.
“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,” says Kat Jackson, Principal Category Manager at NHS SBS.
“The framework facilitates rapid access to and delivery of essential infrastructure, enabling all public sector organisations to compliantly procure modular solutions from reputable suppliers.”
Addressing housing, education and healthcare capacity needs
The launch of NHS SBS’s framework agreement dovetails the Chancellor’s announcement of significant investments at the Spending Review, much of which aims at addressing the UK’s housing, education, and healthcare capital and infrastructure challenges.
These include £39 billion over the next decade for the Affordable Homes Programme and a £2.4 billion per year investment in the School Rebuilding Programme over the next four years.
The announcement underscores the government’s commitment to transforming the nation’s housing and education sectors, including the goal of rebuilding over 500 schools and constructing 1.5 million new homes by 2035.
Supporting NHS, Education, and Housing Infrastructure
With the NHS facing immense pressure, particularly considering patient waiting lists, modular buildings provide a fast solution for expanding diagnostic facilities, GP surgeries, and hospital wards, for instance. The framework agreement also supports the New Hospital Programme, which aims to deliver 25 new hospitals and replace facilities made from unsafe materials like Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
The School Rebuilding Programme, backed by £2.4 billion per year, over the next four years as announced by the Chancellor, underpins the governments ambition for over 500 schools to be rebuilt. Modular buildings offer a fast, cost-effective way to deliver new classrooms and educational facilities to improve learning environments.
As part of the government’s push to deliver 1.5 million new homes during its term, the £39 billion investment in affordable housing will accelerate the construction of much-needed homes across the country. Modular construction offers an ideal solution to meet this demand, delivering affordable homes faster and more sustainably.
In addition, NHS SBS’s framework agreement plays a vital role in addressing maintenance backlogs, like the NHS estate’s maintenance backlog. Following the Chancellor’s announcement of £30 billion over the next five years for maintaining and repairing NHS facilities, with £5 billion specifically allocated to the most critical repairs, modular buildings offer an ideal solution for providing temporary or permanent spaces while critical repairs are underway.
Jackson concludes:
“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.”
For more information, contact the NHS SBS team at: sbs.hello@nhs.net
