NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has launched the third iteration of its Modular Buildings framework agreement, designed to accelerate the delivery of vital infrastructure projects across the UK in healthcare, education, housing, and other public services.

The new Modular Buildings 3 framework provides a streamlined, cost-effective route for public sector organisations to procure modular buildings for purchase, hire, or lease from a range of pre-approved suppliers. Constructed offsite in controlled factory environments, modular buildings offer a quicker, more sustainable, and less disruptive alternative to traditional construction methods, delivering substantial time and cost savings.

Tailored specifically for the needs of the NHS, schools, housing providers and more, the updated framework aligns closely with government priorities laid out in the recent Spending Review.

"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," said Kat Jackson, Principal Category Manager at NHS SBS.

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"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 framework launch comes alongside major government investment plans, including:

• £39 billion for the Affordable Homes Programme over the next decade

• £2.4 billion per year for the School Rebuilding Programme over four years

• £30 billion for maintaining and repairing NHS facilities, including £5 billion earmarked for critical repairs

These investments aim to tackle the UK's housing shortage, modernise educational environments, and upgrade ageing NHS facilities. NHS SBS’s framework offers a ready-made solution to meet these goals.

In healthcare, modular buildings provide a rapid way to expand GP surgeries, hospital wards, and diagnostic facilities — a key component of the New Hospital Programme, which includes building 25 new hospitals and replacing those built with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

In education, modular construction supports the rebuilding of over 500 schools, delivering safe, modern classrooms quickly and efficiently. And in housing, the framework is poised to help deliver part of the government’s ambition to build 1.5 million new homes by 2035.

The Modular Buildings 3 framework also addresses the NHS's substantial maintenance backlog by offering flexible and scalable temporary or permanent buildings during repair and renovation work.

By simplifying the procurement process and offering reliable, sustainable building solutions, the framework is expected to play a key role in transforming the UK’s public infrastructure landscape in the years ahead.