An artist's impression of the redeveloped barracks, courtesy MoD

Medical coup a shot-in-the-arm for economy

Staffordshire County Council has welcomed the news of a £200 million investment in the Lichfield area by the Ministry of Defence

Whittington Barracks is to become the home of the Defence Medical Services from 2010. Around 2,000 trainees, medics and management will be based at the barracks, with all located onto the site by 2014.

The investment is expected to transform the site, with new accommodation, offices and training facilities.

John Taylor, Leader of the county council said: "This is absolutely excellent news for Staffordshire. Hundreds of highly-skilled specialists will be transferring from around the UK.

"This is bound to have a significant impact on the economy due to the scale of the capital investment and the number of skilled staff coming to the county.

"The county council will be working with the MoD on issues around the local infrastructure and services."

This is the second time this year that the county has been selected as the base for a national centre of excellence. The FA confirmed earlier this year that Burton would become home of the £80 million National Football Centre.

Cllr Taylor added: "Both these developments add considerably to the prestige of Staffordshire and raise our profile on the national and international stage. These are significant developments that should help attract more economic investment"

Page Last Modified: 17/07/2008 09:39:06

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