The situation involving deteriorating RAAC panels has greatly impacted numerous educational institutions, triggering evacuations and closures.
- A total of 234 schools and colleges in England, along with many more in Scotland and Wales, have closed classrooms due to RAAC concerns.
- Premier Modular has capitalised on the demand for temporary buildings, securing significant rental projects across multiple sectors.
- In the first quarter of 2024, the company reported a 35% increase in project value compared to the previous year.
- The company views rental building solutions as a sustainable and flexible approach to expanding educational and healthcare facilities.
The discovery of crumbling panels made from reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has prompted the closure of numerous schools and colleges across the United Kingdom, necessitating immediate evacuation in many instances. Particularly affected are 234 institutions in England, alongside dozens more in Scotland and Wales. This crisis has, however, opened doors for companies providing temporary building solutions.
Premier Modular has reported a substantial uptick in business, particularly in its rental division, which has seen 2024 emerge as a “knockout year.” The initial three months alone witnessed the company securing £15 million in rental education projects, indicative of a heightened reliance on temporary structures amidst the ongoing RAAC crisis.
Beyond the educational sector, Premier Modular has also secured substantial business within the health and commercial sectors. The first quarter of 2024 marked a 35% increase in project values compared to the same period in 2023. This growth is driven by significant installations, including over 8,000 sqm of rental buildings, catering to various emergency needs.
Among notable projects, the company completed the second phase of facilities at Merrylands Primary School in Basildon, representing its continued involvement in addressing the infrastructural challenges posed by RAAC issues. The company’s commitment is further demonstrated through the order for two three-storey classroom buildings for London South Bank University.
According to David Harris, Premier Modular’s chief executive, this surge underscores a broader recognition of rental building solutions as a viable, green, and adaptable alternative for expanding and reinforcing organisational infrastructures. This perception aligns with the critical focus on net zero targets, highlighting environmental impacts related to conventional construction methods.
Temporary building solutions are proving essential in addressing the infrastructure challenges posed by the RAAC crisis.
