ONE of Hampshire's biggest military bases is a step closer to being taken over.

Solent Gateway Limited has been chosen by the Ministry of Defence as the preferred bidder to manage and develop Marchwood military port.

The 91-hectare facility supplies ships taking part in Army and Navy operations around the world and is the only port of its kind in the UK.

A competition for bids was launched in May 2014 with tenders evaluated on a number of financial, technical and commercial criteria.

Minister of Defence Philip Dunne said: “The structure of this deal is a double win for Defence and therefore the taxpayer. Maximising the commercial potential of the port will bring financial benefits for years to come, in terms of both profit share and the reduction in the cost of services to the Army.

“In addition, the deal will bring benefits to the local community, including safeguarding existing jobs and creating new jobs.”

The deal means the port will continue to deliver MOD routine services and also be home to a deployable reserve force.

Final talks between the MOD and Solent Gateway will now take place before contracts are signed and the latter is confirmed as the new operator.

Solent Gateway is a partnership between vehicle logistics firm GBA Holdings and transport service business David MacBrayne Limited which operates ferries in Scotland and has been looking to move into port management.

If all goes to plan Solent will assume control in the autumn.

The exact plans for the port have yet to be revealed.

Southampton Port bosses ABP had previously been linked with the site with plans mooted to turn the site into a car storage facility and create 400 jobs.