North Yorkshire - Garrison set for a new look

The proposals are the result of several years' work by Army and council chiefs to revitalise Catterick Garrison.

Among the projects lined up for the town in the next few years are a new sports centre off Gough Road, a swimming pool for the Garrison and the complete redevelopment of the Shute Road and Richmond Road frontages for a mix of shopping, leisure, housing and community uses.

A completely new Market Square would be created in the heart of Shute Road, while investment in Coronation Park would provide a bandstand and pond.

The Army also announced plans for the central roundabout, saying it is hoping to encourage a food store, car dealership and hotel to set up businesses in new buildings.

Col Nick Gaskell, the Garrison Commander, said: "We are committed to delivering our vision of developing infrastructure and welfare support, including quality retail and sports and leisure facilities which are appropriate for the 21st century and meet the needs of a predominantly young population of 17,000.

"Catterick is the largest Army garrison and we need to develop non-military facilities in parallel with the planned military expansion programme. We can only do this in partnership with local authorities, businesses and the community and are developing our proposals with them.

"These developments over the next few years will significantly improve the quality of life for the Garrison and the local community."

The proposals form the second phase of redevelopment in the town, which has already seen the completion of the Richmondshire Walk retail park and the introduction of the Darlington College campus.

They also follow the recent confirmation of the Arras Lines site on Catterick Road as the main area for future housing in Richmondshire.

Richmondshire District Council chief executive Harry Tabiner said: "The development contains a creative and interesting mixture of proposals to augment the existing town centre.