Partnerships for progress: delivering a new generation of neighbourhood healthcare infrastructure
Neighbourhood health centres (NHCs) have the potential to form one of the most significant transformations of the NHS estate in a generation.
The vision is clear. The challenge now is ensuring these facilities can be planned, funded and delivered at the pace and scale required to support the NHS’s shift towards neighbourhood healthcare.
In this white paper, Wates Group explores how government, the NHS and delivery partners can work together to create a new public-private partnership model capable of supporting a national programme of neighbourhood healthcare infrastructure.
Drawing on discussions with NHS Estates leaders, Minister Karin Smyth and industry partners at UKREiiF 2026, the paper examines the barriers to delivery and sets out practical recommendations for moving from vision to implementation.
The white paper explores:
- The role of neighbourhood health centres in delivering the NHS 10-Year Health Plan
- Reflections from a roundtable discussion hosted by Wates and NHS Estates at UKREiiF 2026
- The role of public-private partnerships in unlocking investment and delivery capability
- How early contractor involvement can improve programme outcomes
- Overcoming the barriers to delivering at pace and scale – lessons from healthcare, education and justice infrastructure programmes
- Recommendations for establishing a national delivery model for Neighbourhood Health Centres
