Three developers have been shortlisted to bring forward 4,500 homes and a new garrison for the Ministry of Defence at a 365-acre site in Aldershot, Hampshire.

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and landowner Defence Estates have shortlisted Argent, St Modwen and Taylor Wimpey to develop the  scheme, called the Aldershot Urban Extension. It includes community facilities, schools, and leisure facilities on one of the largest brownfield sites in the South East of England.

The site has been released as part of a Strategic Defence Review. Aldershot is the home of the British Army, meaning much of the operational military estate will be retained, while some listed buildings will need to be conserved.

Rushmoor Borough Council adopted the plan for the extension in March 2009, which sets out the guidelines for the development.

St Modwen is bidding alongside Vinci and Argent UK is heading a consortium. The preferred partner will be picked by the end of the year, with work hoped to start on site in 2012.

Around half of the site has been vacated and should be completely empty by 2014.

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