Welcome to the latest update from the Securing the Future Programme. 

These updates for NHS partners will keep you informed of the Programme’s priorities, key actions and progress as we approach the end of the current arrangements and consider the next phase for the LIFT assets.  

Developing the Outline Business Case  

Work has commenced on the Outline Business Case (OBC) for the Securing the Future Programme.  This will set a structured and co-ordinated approach to lease expiries under LIFT.  The target date for OBC submission is November 2026 with a first draft to CHP’s Board in July 2026.  We will engage with key strategic stakeholders and respond to feedback throughout April to July and will undertake a formal assurance and gateway review process ahead of the November submission.  Timescales are challenging and requires focussed effort.

As there are over 300 assets with lease arrangements expiring over the next 20 years we will need to be targeted with our engagement at this stage.  There are 12 assets where the lease arrangements expire in 2029/30.  We are already engaging with the Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) of the first 12 assets.  This engagement is led locally by our Regional Directors.

Demonstrating the strategic need of the LIFT assets

Evidence of the strategic need and use of the LIFT assets will be key to securing their future.  We are working with ICBs, particularly those with the first 12 lease arrangements expiring, through our PACE (Productivity Acceleration in the Community Estate) Programme to enable the delivery of neighbourhood health services.  We are using our strategic estates and service planning expertise to work with Integrated Care Systems to identify more opportunities across the LIFT estate and to create PACE plans – a plan to drive the utilisation and optimisation of each asset.

System engagement with PACE plan development is critical, and in the long term will support the case to secure the future of the LIFT asset. 

Read: Driving Neighbourhood Health through the Productivity Acceleration in Community Estates Programme (1 Dec)

Neighbourhood Rebuild Programme Launched

The Government launched its NHS Neighbourhood Rebuild programme in November which will deliver 120 Neighbourhood Health Centres through a mixture of refurbishments to expand and improve sites over the next three years.  CHP’s repurposing of the LIFT estate is at the forefront of this Programme with five CHP led rebuild projects at Stockland Green Primary Care Centre and Summerfield Primary Care Centre in Birmingham, Alfred Barrow Health Centre, Cumbria, Truro Health Park, Cornwall and Jubilee Gardens Health Centre, Ealing included.  These capital projects will be publicly funded and can be delivered at pace.

We have identified further opportunities for Neighbourhood Health Centres across the LIFT estate.  This supports the strategic need for the buildings and feeds into our capital pipeline and delivery programme to develop neighbourhood health centres.

Read: CHP’s repurposing of LIFT buildings at the forefront of new NHS Neighbourhood Rebuild programme (25 Nov)

Asset Condition

A key benefit of the LIFT PPP model is that assets are maintained to Condition B.  In preparation for the head lease expiry, we are engaging with LIFTCos to gain assurance on asset condition and the provision of the necessary data.