A landmark 10-year Infrastructure Strategy promises to deliver long-term certainty for the property and construction sectors, backed by at least £725 billion in public funding through to 2035.
The strategy, which includes a minimum of £9 billion annually from 2025–26 for maintenance and renewal of the nation’s health, education and justice estates, marks a significant shift in how infrastructure is planned, funded and delivered.
The aim is to reverse decades of underinvestment that have left many public buildings in disrepair and prone to emergency closures.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the new approach is designed not only to fix buildings but also to enhance public services and lay the foundation for sustained economic growth.
ECONOMIC GROWTH
She says: “We’re not just fixing buildings – we’re enhancing public services, improving lives and creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth in communities throughout the UK.”
The built environment is at the heart of the government’s “Plan for Change”, with the property sector expected to play a critical role in delivering the physical renewal promised across hospitals, schools, and courts.
DEVELOPER OPPORTUNITY
From a property perspective, the new commitment provides one of the most significant pipeline opportunities in a generation for developers, investors and the wider supply chain. Key areas of focus include:
The strategy also introduces reforms aimed at aligning planning and delivery to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and with long-term value in mind.
Becky Wood, CEO of the newly formed National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), adds: “Strategic preventative maintenance based on longer-term plans is a more effective approach than making decisions in the absence of certainty.
“This investment will help ensure our vital public services remain resilient and fit for purpose.”
FIT FOR THE FUTURE
RIBA President Muyiwa Oki says: “If we want to build places that are not only fit for now, but also for the future, taking a strategic approach to infrastructure delivery is vital.
“Neglecting to ensure that developments are well-connected, with access to social and digital infrastructure, amenities, and green spaces can have adverse effects on people’s lives.
“Conversely, we know that investing in well-planned places can bring multiple benefits that make lasting contributions to communities, including improved health outcomes and economic growth. So today’s funding commitments, and the focus on place-based approaches, are very welcome.
“Architects are vital to ensuring that these projects – from schools and healthcare facilities to train stations – are high-quality, energy efficient and well-designed. We are ready to help the Government deliver on its growth ambitions.”
