Modular Buildings 953_26
Framework Description
Modular Buildings 953_26 is ESPO's current framework for hiring or buying modular buildings, from basic shells to full turnkey solutions, including refurbished units. Its ten lots split education, healthcare, catering, accommodation and miscellaneous buildings into hire and purchase. Procured under the Procurement Act 2023 and not a DPS, it runs from 23 April 2026 to 22 April 2028, with an option to extend to 22 April 2030. It replaced ESPO's earlier Modular Buildings framework.
Context & Use Case
Schools, NHS bodies, local authorities and other public bodies use 953_26 when they need extra space quickly, such as temporary classrooms during a rebuild, additional clinic capacity, kitchens or staff accommodation. Each type of building can be hired for a short-term need or bought outright. Buyers sign ESPO's Access & Confidentiality Agreement to see the framework documents, which set out how each lot is called off.
Scope of Services
Lots 1A / 1B: Modular education buildings (hire / purchase) Lots 2A / 2B: Modular healthcare buildings (hire / purchase) Lots 3A / 3B: Modular catering buildings (hire / purchase) Lots 4A / 4B: Modular accommodation buildings (hire / purchase) Lots 5A / 5B: Modular miscellaneous buildings (hire / purchase)
Lots
Lot 1A Modular Education Buildings - Hire; Lot 1B Modular Education Buildings - Purchase; Lot 2A Modular Healthcare Buildings - Hire; Lot 2B Modular Healthcare Buildings - Purchase; Lot 3A Modular Catering Buildings - Hire; Lot 3B Modular Catering Buildings - Purchase; Lot 4A Modular Accommodation Buildings - Hire; Lot 4B Modular Accommodation Buildings - Purchase; Lot 5A Modular Miscellaneous Buildings - Hire; Lot 5B Modular Miscellaneous Buildings - Purchase
Who Can Apply
Suits modular building manufacturers, refurbishers and hire fleet operators. Applications closed at award in April 2026, so firms not already appointed cannot join until ESPO re-procures, likely near 22 April 2028 or, if extended, 22 April 2030. Appointed suppliers compete for call-offs in the lots they hold.
Buyer Benefits
Separate hire and purchase lots let buyers match the contract to how long they need the space: renting for a temporary decant, buying when the need is permanent. Turnkey options mean one supplier can deliver a finished building, and refurbished units give buyers a further option on cost. Pre-agreed terms shorten the time it takes to get a building on site.
Next Steps
If you are on 953_26, confirm which of the ten lots you hold and keep standard pricing, lead times and recent installations ready so you can respond quickly when a buyer calls off. If you are not, use the time before the re-tender to build evidence of public sector hire or purchase contracts, and watch the 953_26 page on espo.org and Find a Tender for the notice.
How Athena Can Help
For appointed suppliers, Athena's bid management support is aimed at winning call-offs under 953_26: answers written to each buyer's evaluation criteria, competitor scoring, and pricing that weighs hire rates against purchase costs.
For manufacturers and hire firms outside the framework, our public sector tender support helps you win modular contracts let outside frameworks, and our framework application service prepares you for ESPO's next re-procurement, with policies, certificates and case studies ready before it opens.
