Ministry of Defence announces closure of Canterbury Army base Howe Barracks
The end is in sight
for Howe Barracks
Howe Barracks in Canterbury is to be sold off and the 5
Scots battalion relocated to Scotland as part of a radical review
of military bases.
The 500-acre site, which has been home to soldiers since the
19th century, is likely to be sold off for development.
Currently home to 5 Scots, the battalion is being shrunk from
530 soldiers to a single company of about 150.
It will have a largely ceremonial role and be based in Edinburgh
from August.
A statement from the Ministry of Defence today said the Argyll
and Sutherland Highlanders would move to Scotland.
It added: "As a result, Howe Barracks in Canterbury is no longer
required and will be disposed of in due course; plans will be made
to relocate the smaller units at the site."
Much of the site is woodland and unlikely to be built on. There
is already an existing estate of around 200 army homes.
The Argylls are set to be
downsized and moved to Edinburgh
Last year city council leader John Gilbey said the authority
would be very interested in the site.
He said: “I am sure there are things we could do with it. If we
were asked to take control we would be willing to look into it and
retain as much open space as possible.
“There are a significant number of houses on it already. Looking
at what has happened elsewhere, I’m sure the government will be
interested in getting the highest bid. I think it will go out for
tender.”
Any disposal of the land or part of it will be handled by the
Defence Infrastructure Organisation.
In a separate move, the headquarters of the 2nd (South
East) Brigade, based in Folkestone, will merge with 145 (South)
Brigade, based in Aldershot.
The site acts as a centre for administration for Kent's
regiments.
There are currently around 100 civilian staff based at the Sir
John Moore Barracks in Shorncliffe. The posts would either be moved
to Hampshire or made redundant.
A new headquarters for the south east will be created, and
based in Hampshire.
It's not yet known what would happen to the barracks site.
01/03/13
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