Garrison site developer confirmed

The Ministry of Defence announced that Birmingham-based Lingfield Securities will be responsible for the development of an eight-and-a-half acre site.

The multi-million pound scheme will create as much as 120,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space in more than 20 units as well as 285 car parking spaces and an 80-bed hotel.

The long-awaited transformation of the centre of Catterick Garrison has been hailed as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" as part of the wider development of the town's military base over the next two decades.

Outline planning permission for the town centre has already been granted but more detailed consent will be sought early next year.

If the proposals get the go-ahead from Richmondshire District Council, work on the site is expected to start in 2012.

Lingfield Securities has been responsible for a series of high-profile developments, including Kings Square Shopping Centre in West Bromwich.