It is already Europe's largest Army garrison and if the Ministry of Defence gets its way it is about to get a whole lot bigger.

Plans revealed yesterday to further develop Catterick Garrison, home to about 18,400 people, including military personnel, families and civilian staff, will see it grow in size with the population possibly swelling to 25,000 by 2020.

Such a vision for Catterick comes during what is a massive period of change for the British Army.

It is envisaged that no longer will large Army units up-sticks from their home headquarters so frequently and move around the world.

Instead, they will be progressively UK-based around a number of "super-garrisons".

Catterick, along with its outlying sites at Marne Barracks, Dishforth, Topcliffe and Ripon, has been designated as one of these because of the significant spare capacity across its 1,500 hectare site and its location, being no more than two hours away from all of the North's major urban recruitment areas.

Major General Euan Loudon, the general commanding officer of the Army's 2nd Division, who was present at the launch of the plans, said: "Catterick is absolutely at the top of the Army's priority for these developments, although all of this will not happen overnight.

"The aim is to create a world-class outcome, but having a plan is one thing and we need to turn that into a reality."

Army top brass hope to turn Catterick into a prosperous town with a thriving centre, and also increase the quality of life for soldiers and their families, which itself could have a positive knock-on effect on recruitment and retention.

Currently, there is an estimated shortfall of about 300 homes for servicemen and women and their families at Catterick.

It is anticipated that 2,500 homes could be built in order to cope with the base's expansion.

Catterick's world-famous Infantry Training Centre, which has more than 2,000 trainee soldiers at any one time, will have its accommodation and training facilities upgraded.

An enlarged garrison will also enable a full mechanised brigade, supported by a logistics brigade, to be located at Catterick, improving the base's operational capabilities.

The plans also envisage redevelopment and expansion of the Gaza Barracks, among other things, and further include:

* A £40m revamp of Catterick town centre, including new shops, restaurants, up to 200 flats, a community centre, business accommodation and car parking

* A £15m sports and leisure centre to be built for use by both Army employees and the public.

* A new bus interchange for Catterick.

* New roads and junctions to be built to the north of the garrison.

* Improved pedal cycle routes in the areas around the garrison.

* £50m to be spent on upgrading electric, telecommunication, water, sewage and gas utilities in the area.

Yesterday, Colonel Nick Millen, Catterick Garrison Commander, admitted that there had been periods of development at Catterick in the past which had been "driven through in a fairly hard-nosed way".

The new plans would, however, be subject to full public consultation, he said.

Arthur Barker, the leader of Hambleton District Council, one of the consultees, said: "We believe there are going to be major economic developments from an investment of this nature and size.

"We hope in particular that businesses will benefit from people spending in local centres and that will as much apply in market towns such as Bedale, Northallerton and Thirsk as Richmond and Leyburn."

John Weighell, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, added: "These are tremendously exciting plans which will bring more people, services and jobs to the area, adding to the quality of life of local communities and residents."

Catterick Garrison began life as a temporary training camp for soldiers during the First World War and also as a holding centre for German PoWs.

It was redeveloped during the Second World War and later during the 1960s and 1970s, with new barracks being built, and is now the British Army's largest garrison.