Contract awarded for Catterick expansion as a ‘super garrison’

CONSULTANTS HAVE been appointed to oversee a massive expansion of Europe’s largest military base in North Yorkshire which will see personnel numbers increase by more than 50 per cent over the next decade.

The British Army and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has awarded WYG a contract to carry out an assessment study for the redevelopment of Catterick Garrison.

Further details on plans to create a “super garrison” for soldiers were revealed in May, with the Ministry of Defence stating improved facilities were needed for “core sites”.

Catterick is forecast to expand from 6,000 service personnel to around 9,500 by about 2031, as it becomes the new headquarters for mechanised wheel capability.

Now, consultants are to look at living accommodation, family quarters, offices and stores, as well as the impact additional service personnel and their families could have on the town and local area.

“Catterick Garrison is already one of the Army’s biggest and most important garrisons, and Catterick is at the heart of the Army’s future basing investment plans,” said Major General David Southall, the director of basing and infrastructure.

“Working with both North Yorkshire County Council and Richmondshire District Council, we will collectively ensure this investment delivers the best outcomes for both the Army and the local community.”

With more soldiers to be based at Catterick, the Army predicts a rise in the number of family members and dependents living in the area, from 2,600 to 3,800.

It is working “closely” with authorities to ensure provision meets demand, it says, including with school settings, leisure and medical facilities.

Callum McKeon, corporate director for Richmondshire District Council, said the study will complement the work already begun on the area’s Local Plan and garrison masterplan.

“We are looking forward to helping our military colleagues develop and shape their plans, as we all work together to accommodate the growth of the garrison and the needs of the local civilian population.”

WYG is set to deliver its findings next spring, with construction planned for 2023.