A MULTI-million pound scheme to develop a town centre in Catterick Garrison has been unveiled to mixed reactions.

It would include new housing, sports grounds, swimming pools, a shopping area with larger retailers, and leisure facilities including a cinema, bars and restaurants. The centre would be built around the playing fields near Tesco and the Shute and Richmond roads.

The plans were presented by Robert Shopland-Reed, senior estate advisor for the garrison, at a meeting of the Richmond Business and Tourism Association on Wednesday.

"The garrison and Richmond cannot presently meet customers' shopping needs entirely," said Mr Shopland-Reed. "As long as people are travelling to larger retailers in Darlington and further afield, there is a danger that they will stay there to do all their shopping, including items which can be provided in Richmond.

"By offering more shops and leisure facilities close by, it will reduce that stream of people who go elsewhere, and encourage them to stay in the area."

Mr Shopland-Reed said although the development had not yet been officially backed by the MoD, it would tap into the disposable income generated by the army and encourage members of the forces to settle in the area.

He said figures suggested the development would have around a 5pc negative impact on trading in Richmond.

"There will be effects," he said. "But we hope many of those will be positive ones. There are a lot of retailers and facilities that would be welcomed in the area, but could not physically fit into Richmond. It would complement existing businesses in the town and bring huge advantages to the area."

Some traders agreed, saying the scheme should be embraced.

"Anything that stops people spending all their money outside the area should benefit us," said one. "If it is developed carefully and not in direct competition with existing business it could be a real boost."

Other traders were concerned about the potential negative impacts.

"This scheme could kill Richmond," said Graham Firby, of Pottergate Guest House. "It looks like the sort of out-of-town scheme that has seen the end of market towns across the country."

Gillian Howells, of Gillian Howells Creative Consultancy, said: "It's not an out-of-town centre, but it is a new town right on our doorstep. That is what we will have to compete with."

See leading article in the Opinion section