Businesses across manufacturing, logistics, retail, healthcare, utilities, transport and infrastructure use temporary commercial buildings where they need additional capacity during peak periods, refurbishment programmes or project delivery. Temporary building hire gives you a defined-term solution sized to your specific operational requirement.

We configure each building fully before delivery, agreeing the layout, services and internal fit-out with you in advance so the space is operational and ready for your team from the moment we connect it on site.

You can hire a temporary building, buy one new, or choose a refurbished unit, whichever route best suits your timescale and budget.

If you are still weighing up your options or ready to move forward with a specific project, you will find everything you need below: the building types we offer and what each one is used for, why businesses across every sector choose temporary space over permanent construction, and the full process from your first enquiry through to planning permission, installation and handover on site.

  1. Portable office cabins

    Our portable office cabins deliver fully fitted additional workspace installed within weeks for organisations requiring extra office capacity at their site.

     

    Production spaces

    Our production spaces provide controlled environments for equipment and manufacturing processes requiring stable internal conditions.

     

    Storage facilities

    Our storage facilities supply secure, covered space for stock and equipment for use across logistics, retail and construction site applications.

     

    Site accommodation

    Our site accommodation provides welfare, canteen and office space for construction and infrastructure project teams working across any live site.

Benefits of temporary commercial buildings

  1. You only pay for the space your project needs, for as long as you need it. There's no capital tied up in a permanent structure, and hire costs sit as operational expenditure rather than capital spend.
  2. You add space when demand is real and confirmed. Our team works with you at enquiry stage to set the specifications around your actual requirement before you commit to an order.
  3. You keep operations running through refurbishment, expansion or relocation, with space installed and connected alongside ongoing activity on your site without disruption.
  4. Off-site manufacture keeps your programme on track. Building production runs separately from site activity, so neither depends on the other staying on schedule.
  5. Every building can be designed to achieve BREEAM 'Excellent', assessed under BREEAM UK New Construction where your project or planning authority requires the certification.
  6. If your requirements change, your building can be extended, reconfigured or relocated to suit your needs. Whether you're moving between project phases, relocating to a new site or no longer require the building, we'll work with you to adapt the solution or arrange its removal from site.
  7. One supplier manages design, manufacture, groundworks and installation, with one point of contact responsible for planning, coordination and installation timing from your first enquiry through to handover.

 

How to hire a temporary commercial building

Temporary building hire starts with your requirements: occupancy, usage type, site conditions and timescale. When you enquire with us, our team responds within one working day and can arrange a site visit where your project needs one.

Your site may need planning permission depending on building type and duration. Councils typically determine applications within 12 weeks under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Permitted development may apply.

You can choose hire, purchase a new or a refurbished unit. Hire suits short-term needs. Purchase suits longer-term use. Refurbished buildings cost less upfront.

Our site survey confirms access, ground conditions and utilities before manufacturing begins. We co-ordinate groundworks and installation as a single delivery process alongside off-site manufacture.

Your building arrives as pre-fabricated modules and we connect everything on site. Most buildings are ready to occupy within days of arrival, depending on specification.

Throughout your hire period, maintenance and servicing are included as part of the agreement, so your building stays fully operational without extra cost to arrange. If your requirements change, a named contact stays with your project to adapt the building, extend the term or adjust the specification, without you needing to restart the process. We deliver 99.7% of buildings on time and on budget. If we miss that commitment, you receive a week's free hire for every day we run late.

Tell us more about your project and receive a quote.

FAQs

How many people can a temporary commercial building accommodate?

Our buildings can be configured for one person or more than 1,000, with modules combined to match your occupancy requirement. Our team will advise on the most suitable type and size for your intended use and the number of people you need to accommodate.

What happens at the end of a hire contract?

When your hire contract ends, we arrange removal from site and your payments stop. If your requirements change before the end date, you can extend the contract, adjust the specification or arrange relocation. There are no obligations beyond the agreed contract terms.

Can a temporary commercial building be installed on a site with limited space or access?

Yes, subject to a site survey. We have experience installing buildings in tight spaces and sites with limited access, including craning over existing structures, into enclosed courtyards and rooftops. Buildings can be double or triple-stacked to make use of a small footprint.

Can I see a Portakabin building before I order?

Yes. We have over 55 visitor centres across the UK where you can view buildings in person before you commit to a specification. Seeing the build quality, fit-out and internal layout firsthand helps you confirm the right option for your project before placing an order.

Do temporary commercial buildings comply with UK Building Regulations?

Yes. All Portakabin buildings are manufactured to comply with current UK Building Regulations and are produced in our ISO-accredited factories. Compliance requirements and site-specific conditions are managed as part of our delivery process, so you do not need to commission separate assessments.

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