CONSTRUCTION work on a £250m state-of-the-art armed forces training college in Hampshire will start later this year, Defence Minister Andrew Murrison has announced.

The Defence College of Logistics, Policing and Administration at Worthy Down, near Winchester, will focus on services to back military operations, such as catering, supply, transport and military human resources.

It will provide living accommodation for up to 2,000 students and staff.

Construction is to begin in late 2014 and is expected to be completed by late 2018. It is to be built by Skanska Plc and training will continue at the site through-out the construction period.

As reported by the Daily Echo, the new college for the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force will see the number of personnel more than double from 750 to 2,000. The plan includes homes for 90 service families.

It will provide training in personnel administration and logistics, including catering.

The base, first used by the Royal Flying Corps in 1917, is currently home to the Adjutant General’s Corps, which will remain.