Completion date confirmed for Catterick Garrison regen
The £21m community and enterprise building being built by Willmott Dixon is due to open in February 2027, forming a key part of wider plans for the town centre.
The project is being backed by £19m of government funding, awarded through the Levelling Up Fund, alongside £2m of match funding from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and the local authority.
The multi-purpose, 13,000 sq ft, three-storey facility will include flexible business space, offices, retail units, training facilities, event space and a community kitchen.
This 3,000 sq ft ground floor space will have a double height glass pavilion, and outside there will be a 6,500 sq ft outdoor seating and retail area.
It is intended to address a shortage of modern business accommodation, flexible event space and community facilities in the area, while providing space for businesses, community groups, and military and civilian residents.
The project is a partnership between North Yorkshire Council and the DIO, a branch of the Ministry of Defence, supported by council-owned property consultancy Align Property Partners and landscape architect Barton Howe Associates.
The garrison town is also in line for a new 20,000 sq ft town square on Shute Road and landscaping improvements including upgrades to Coronation Park, such as better play areas and a skate park, as well as improvements to footpaths and cycleways.
North Yorkshire Council is now seeking approval to operate the new building itself. Its executive will consider the proposal on 15 September.
A review found that running the facility in-house would cost around £120,000 less each year than alternative arrangements, while providing the greatest benefits to the local community.
The council said the centre would bring a range of services together under one roof, including the Army’s HIVE information service, alongside facilities aimed at supporting business growth, training and community activity.
Executive member for open to business, cllr Mark Crane, said: “This exciting new facility has the potential to become a focal point for the community and play an important role in the future of Catterick Garrison.
“It will provide opportunities for local businesses to grow, help people develop new skills, host community events and activities, and create a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.
“We want this building to be a place that brings people together and supports the continued growth and development of the town.
“The proposals for us as a council to run the centre will be considered carefully by the executive to ensure that there is the very best value for our taxpayers.
“This building has been designed to meet those needs while creating new opportunities for learning, enterprise and community activity.
“Alongside the other improvements being delivered through the regeneration programme, it will help create a vibrant town centre that people can be proud of.”
