Construction of government buildings such as schools and hospitals could be sped up by ‘prefabbing’ them in factories
'New methods of construction' are being 'embraced' by the Government as they set out £600 billion on infrastructure over the next decade.
SCHOOLS, hospitals, prisons and train stations could be constructed quicker and with less waste if they were “prefabbed” in factories before being erected, ministers say today.
Setting out £600billion worth on infrastructure spending over the next decade, Treasury minister Robert Jenrick said “new methods of construction” needed to be “embraced”.
Officials believe pre-building components in factories before they’re sent to construction sites for assembly will speed up building projects.
Government proposals for a “platform approach” could see digitally-designed components used on different types of public buildings.
Officials believe the fresh approach could boost productivity and reduce waste by as much as 90 per cent.
It could mean a school that typically takes a year to build could be completed in just over four months.
Exchequer Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “We are committed to renewing our infrastructure to drive economic growth in all parts of the United Kingdom.
“Over the course of this Parliament, investment in economic infrastructure will reach the highest sustained levels in over 40 years.
“And as the pace of technological change accelerates, we are stepping up our commitment to digital infrastructure, use of data to drive greater productivity and embrace new methods of construction.
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“With £600 billion of investment over the next decade, including the largest ever investment in our strategic road network, we are taking the long-term action required to raise productivity and ensure the economy is fit for the future.”
The Treasury highlighted the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon road scheme as an example of the new approach, where parts of bridges were developed in a factory before being transported and assembled on site.
Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said: “We will adopt ever increasing levels of automation and off-site construction in road improvement schemes and smart motorways in our next five-year road investment programme.”
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