THE OPENING of a £25m town centre at the heart of Britain’s largest super garrison has been overseen by the Queen’s cousin.

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester GCVO, wife of Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester attended the official opening of Princes Gate retail and leisure park in Catterick Garrison on Tuesday and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the event.

The complex, which was designed to give residents of the garrison a central hub, includes a seven-screen cinema, 60-bed hotel, shops including Next, Boots and Sports Direct, and restaurants including KFC and Greene King.

The Duchess met the developers, architects, agents and local councillors involved in the development, which will provide 700 new jobs to the area.

Tom Gilman, managing director of Kier Property, said: “It’s fantastic to see the development almost completed.

“It was a great team effort by the Ministry of Defence, local councils, and Lingfield who started the project.

“It has provided a focus to Catterick Garrison that I think will attract people from the wider area, and give people the opportunity to use facilities closer to home rather than travel to Darlington or Teesside.”

Robin Hartley from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation said the development had been in the pipeline for almost 15 years.

“The MOD came up with the concept of a town centre because there was nothing for the families of the military.

“This site was formerly a run-down sports field that wasn’t fit for purpose so it was the ideal location.”

After The Duchess revealed the plaque to the sounds of a military band, Brigadier Gerald Strickland, commander of 4th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters North East, told the crowds the town centre was fitting of a super garrison.

“This is a magnificent facility and thanks must go to the many organisations that played a part in turning this into reality.

“I hope and believe this will benefit the wider community as well as our service personnel and their families.”

The Duchess of Gloucester said she had been looking forward to seeing Princes Gate and had enjoyed meeting people involved in its development.

“I hope this new place will be enjoyed,” she added.

Cllr John Robinson, chairman of Richmondshire District Council said he believed Princes Gate would benefit the whole district.

“The range of retail and leisure opportunities open for residents is fantastic, meaning they don’t have to travel out of Richmondshire – and the improvements to the local road network and the A1 mean it will be even easier to get to.”