Public authorities across the South East, South West and London are being encouraged to join a building framework which could save them time and money on their construction programmes.
The Southern Modular Building Framework allows any public authority such as local authorities, health trusts, police and fire services easy access to 11 selected experienced contractors, which specialise in modular buildings prefabricated offsite – from temporary classrooms, bespoke buildings to permanent structures worth more than £3m.
Councillor Mel Kendal, the County Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development, said: “Construction frameworks like this can help public authorities achieve greater value for money by avoiding the costs and time delays involved in running tenders for individual construction projects.
“Modern modular buildings are flexible, high standard buildings which are far superior to the ‘huts’ that many were educated in during the 1970s and 1980s. They can help meet demand for school placements, or can be used for an emergency situation – for example, when we deployed modular buildings for an entire school within six weeks after the surrounding area became flooded.
“As managers of the framework, Hampshire County Council’s experience, capacity and skills, dating back over 15 years, mean that we are ready and waiting to support our colleague clients in providing a timely and high quality route to deliver construction projects.”
Modular buildings can be temporary or permanent and can be on par with traditional construction. Temporary solutions can be dismantled, moved to another site, and reused. Modular buildings are also available for hire or purchase through the framework, which is managed by Hampshire County Council’s award-winning Property Services team.
The four-year framework was recently launched in Winchester where 20 local authorities joined the 11 contractors to look at buildings projects which could be part of the framework, which already has projects underway worth more than £5m.
For more information contact a Framework Manager on 01962 845942, email SMBF@hants.gov.uk or visit www.hants.gov.uk/southern-modular-building-framework.htm
Original link - Petersfield Post
