THE Royal School of Military Engineering's future in Medway looks secure after an exciting partnership with business and education was announced last night.

Concern had been growing that the famous military establishment would leave the area after nearly 200 years.

But Medway Council leader Rodney Chambers announced at a meeting last night that a business consortium, Holdfast, had emerged as a frontrunner to form an innovative partnership with the engineers' school -- a project that would keep RSME in Medway for another 30 years.

There has been speculation for several years that the RSME may move out of its Brompton Barracks HQ in Gillingham to a new base in Hampshire.

But the Sappers are to stay at Brompton, it was confirmed last night, though the development plan includes the demolition of Kitchener Barracks in Dock Road, Chatham, which will probably be replaced by private housing.

Steve Bull, head of business development at RSME, said: "The most important thing is this project will ensure the RSME stays in Medway where it belongs.

"I'm aware that there was a lot of concern RSME would move out of the area but this bid from Holdfast looks likely to suit everyone."

Holdfast, consisting of private business for education and construction, will make big investment in new premises at Brompton. The final details on the 30-year partnership are being ironed out, but could be signed and sealed within 18 months.

The Mid-Kent College, one of the Holdfast members, would move its Horsted campus to Brompton, either within or close to the barracks.

Mr Bull said: "You won't see civilians sharing engineering classrooms with Royal Engineers -- that would be a step too far. But there's nothing to stop a sharing of facilities. This is the best deal for everyone involved."

Announcing the development last night, Cllr Chambers said: "I am very pleased that the RSME will continue in Medway. The award of this contract will lead to substantial investment.

"More details will be brought to members as developments unfold."

In a report given to journalists attending the council meeting, Cllr Chambers said the plans would affect Brompton, Wainscott, Upper Upnor, Chattenden and Lodge Hill as well as Horsted.

The key components of the Brompton development are likely to include new barracks accommodation for officers, sergeants and ranks within the barracks compound, substantial improvements in the training and tutoring areas.

Development of a long-term plan on Amherst Hill, Brompton, would also take place.

Operations at Upnor could be restructured, allowing some army land to be used for a limited private development.

The biggest development could be at Chattenden and Lodge Hill where army training grounds could be released for a new village settlement. A similar village development was recently given the go ahead in the Eastern Quarry near Bluewater Shopping Centre.