UP TO 1,000 troops will definitely arrive in Stafford in 2015 following final confirmation from the ministry of defence.
Two new regiments the 1st and 16th Signals will move from Germany to MoD Stafford, joining the 22 Signal Regiment currently based at the Beaconside barracks.
It means a major expansion and overhaul of the site can press ahead.
The plans, part of the army’s Borona Project, have been in the pipeline since bosses announced Stafford was the preferred base for the regiments.
The MoD is pulling troops out of Germany in a move expected to save £240 million a year.
The Government announced details of the move on Tuesday, giving final confirmation of the plans for Stafford.
The Beaconside base will be completely transformed by the time it welcomes 1,000 new Army personnel.
Several buildings are set to be demolished or revamped to make way for new offices, accommodation, an officers’ mess, a centralised hub and gym.
And the move is set to result in 450 families, including 600 children, coming into Stafford.
The MoD plans to build 370 new homes on a site opposite the base to house some of the intake, while others will take up housing elsewhere in the area.
The commercial bidding process for the work has been under way for some months.
Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy said: “They have confirmed those two Signals regiments are coming and the building will start as soon as possible.
“It confirms even more the need for hospital services.
“After waiting for the best part of three years we have finally got the confirmation it’s happening so that’s great. I’m delighted it’s happening.
“This final decision from the Government puts an end to any nervousness about the move given the huge hole in the defence budget left by the
previous Labour Government. I have been pursuing this matter since I was elected and I am pleased that the Govern- ment has kept its word.
“This will be a great boost to the town and we need to make sure we are ready.
“On Tuesday in the House of Commons I asked the Defence Secretary for confirmation that funding will now be released so that the new accommodation on the MoD site can begin.
“He gave me that assurance and this will be a welcome boost for local firms competing for those contracts.”
