There is growing demand for new construction projects across the UK public sector, driven by government commitments to improve infrastructure across healthcare and education. David Harris, CEO and Managing Director at Premier Modular, writes the following article…
For example, in the newly established School Estate Management Standards, the government has committed to a £38 billion overall capital investment to build and improve school estates, and its ‘Fit for Future‘ 10-Year Health Plan has confirmed investment for the construction of 250 neighbourhood health centres. These high-profile commitments have established a clear and reliable pipeline of future construction work to improve important public assets.
Effective construction techniques will be required for the government to reach these building targets efficiently while consistently incorporating sustainable practices and prioritising quality.
Modern methods of construction (MMC) provide a credible response to these converging demands and the stable project pipeline provides an opportunity for advanced construction methods to be explored. MMC, specifically, offsite modular construction can provide a solution for public sector projects addressing productivity demands while meeting tightening environmental standards. This in turn can provide a scalable delivery model which is capable of supporting national infrastructure ambitions.
By relocating significant elements of the build process into factory environments, manufacturing and groundworks can progress simultaneously, shortening overall programme timelines. In sectors such as healthcare and education, where additional capacity is often needed urgently, this acceleration carries clear benefits of providing speedy support and causing minimal disruption to onsite activities.
Meanwhile, flexible options, such as rental modular solutions, can offer a scalable approach that can be quickly deployed. These semi-permanent modular facilities offer inherent adaptability, enabling modular units to expand, reconfigure or relocate as requirements evolve. As such, additional wards, classrooms or operational spaces can be built with minimal disruption, allowing for essential services to continue smoothly while also responding to changing needs and new government targets.
Sustainability credentials of modular construction
This flexibility also strengthens the sustainability credentials of modular construction. Relocatable buildings reduce the need for demolition or full refurbishments, preserving embodied carbon and extending the life of the asset. Individual modules can be refurbished, upgraded, or redeployed to new sites, aligning with circular economy principles and whole-life value assessments. This is vital for modern construction projects, as whole-life carbon assessment, energy efficiency, and circular design principles are now embedded within procurement frameworks. This means that environmental compliance is no longer an afterthought, but a defining requirement for the industry.
Buildings designed for extended life cycles and recyclability also enhance cost certainty for investors. Offsite factory-based production relies on repeatable, standardised processes that minimise costly offcuts, or waste parts, providing greater budget predictability. In publicly-funded schemes where finances are highly scrutinised, this is particularly valuable. The adaptability of modular solutions is also a strategic cost advantage as facilities are seen to be futureproofed and capable of meeting long-term environmental goals, making them a more worthwhile investment.
In 2026, public sector construction projects require MMC and modular construction to achieve the governments targets within this suggested timeline and to the sustainability and quality standards required. Utilising advance, offsite methods will ensure measurable progress is made towards net zero commitments and that resilient, high quality adaptable buildings are delivered within a clear timeline and to budget.
