An historic York Army barracks which has been earmarked for closure for the last eight years will now stay active.
Queen Elizabeth Barracks at Strensall, due to shut this year, has been saved.
The 2 Medical Brigade, set to move out of the city, will remain stationed there.
A letter from to York Outer MP Jeremy Sturdy from James Cartlidge, the minister for defence procurement, confirmed the news.
Mr Cartlidge wrote: “I have today approved an update to the Defence Disposal Database that will confirm the military retention of Queen Elizabeth Barracks and Towthorpe Lines within your constituency.
“As you will be aware the Ministry of Defence announced in 2021 that 2 Med Group, and the two Multi-Role Regiments working to it, would be based in Yorkshire in its current hub in Strensall with future options for basing in Catterick being reviewed.
“You may therefore not be surprised that the sites will no longer be sold, but I wanted to confirm that all options have now been assessed and Strensall continues to be the preferred option for the Army.
“I am of course happy to meet with you to discuss this in more detail, as the decision to remain at Strensall will naturally bring requirements to further invest in the sites.”
In November 2016, the Ministry of Defence announced that the site would close in 2021. This was subsequently extended to 2024.
The MOD wanted to build 500 homes on the site, but it was removed from the Local Plan over fears that the development could harm nearby Strensall Common.
Mr Sturdy said: “It has been tough having to sit on this announcement since I first heard last month but great news that Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Strensall is no longer earmarked for closure with further investment expected as 2 Med Group will remain based in York.”
History of the barracks
Strensall Camp, which covers about 1,800 acres, was formed by the War Office in 1884 for training troops.
The barracks were renamed Queen Elizabeth II Barracks in the 1950s and went on to become the regional centre for infantry training as the Yorkshire Brigade Depot in 1960.
The barracks then became the depot of the King’s Division in 1968.
On 11 June 1974, the Provisional Irish Republican Army planted and exploded devices at the camp. No one was killed.