THE planned closure of Chester’s army barracks has been delayed by at least four years, it has emerged.
Military chiefs announced on Thursday (February 28) that Dale Barracks would close its doors “not before 2027” rather than in 2023.
The news has been cautiously welcomed by city MP Chris Matheson who says it provides more time to convince the Ministry of Defence (MoD) not to sell the site.
He said: “We like having the army in Chester and the army likes being in Chester. We have not lost this battle yet, and I will continue to fight to prevent the closure of the historic Dale Barracks.”
City of Chester MP Chris Matheson.
Back in 2016 the MoD had earmarked 56 sites for closure nationwide in a bid to save £140 million and create space for 55,000 new homes nationwide. The sale of a further 35 sites had been announced previously.
But this week’s update on the Defence Estate Optimisation Programme sets out new information for 33 military sites across the UK “providing clarity and certainty for personnel and communities for the next five years”.
It also includes news that some bases have been saved from closure including RM Chivenor, Norton Manor Camp, Condor Airfield, Rock Barracks and Molesworth.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “By providing further clarity on the future of key sites, not only will we protect our national security and support military objectives, but we will provide more stable employment and education opportunities for military families.
“The defence estate currently accounts for approximately 1.8 per cent of the UK’s land mass, with over 40 per cent of the estate being over 50 years old. This does not support the future needs of the UK Armed Forces or represent the best value for the taxpayer.
“By creating a smaller more focused estate, investment can be directed to our enduring sites to meet military requirements and increase prosperity for the surrounding communities. The £4 billion committed to developing the defence estate will create and sustain jobs in the construction industry, while the release of sites that the MOD no longer needs provides opportunities for a wide range of commercial uses, creating regeneration, business growth and local jobs.”
Mr Matheson has been fighting to save Dale Barracks since the original 2016 announcement, branding the MoD’s decision as “ill-conceived” and “reckless”.
He said its closure would have a huge impact on the servicemen and women based there, as well as on the wider economy of the city.
Mr Matheson said: “This delay provides time for ministers to reconsider the importance of Dale Barracks and hopefully reverse their decision to close it.
“Chester is a historic garrison city and I am proud of our long association with the British Army.”
Soldiers of The Mercian Regiment parading through the city for the final time last year before relocating to Cyprus.
Dale Barracks has been the depot of the Cheshire Regiment since 1939.
Until a decision is made on its future,the Army will continue to rotate infantry battalions through the barracks with 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment moving in during 2022 when 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment replaces them in Cyprus.
Mr Matheson said he hoped to take a group of army personnel who have served in Dale Barracks to meet the Minister for Defence in the near future.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here