MoD academy 'could spark investment' in Wales

The Western Mail reports that the Defence Training Academy in the Vale of Glamorgan will centralise the UK's army, navy and air force training in one site, making it an attractive location for firms.

In addition to the £14-billion academy, the area will benefit from a new business park planned by the Welsh assembly. 

The park will specialise in aerospace and be sited close to the training academy in an effort to make the area a major aviation hub.

I think that whatever spin-offs we will get will emerge over time

Richard Read

Director

Defence Training Academy

Wing commander Richard Read, the training academy's Site Director, told the news provider that there is a "genuine commercial interest" in the facility, which will be completed in 2013.

"I think that whatever spin-offs we will get will emerge over time. I think quite a few FTSE 100, FTSE 250 companies would want to be in the supply chain.

The Defence Training Academy will also be the MoD's main link to UK universities and will carry out "research and innovative thinking in the defence and security fields".