AN ARMED forces facility may be “disposed of” and sold off to a commercial developer if an alternative use for the building is not found.

The Army Reserve Centre, on the corner of Marine Road and Bastion Road in Prestatyn, was sold to the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Wales in November 2016.

It followed a Government decision to merge the 101 Battalion of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers with the 105 battalion, based in Bristol.

Last May, the Journal reported that commercial development company Liberty Properties was looking to purchase some of the homes opposite, but the company rubbished suggestions it was also planning to buy the centre as part of a larger plan to build a retail development.

Efforts are being made by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to find alternative uses for the site, but if none can be found it is likely it will be sold off.

If purchased, proceeds will be reinvested into the Reserves estate by Reserve Forces and Cadet Association (RFCA).

Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane raised the issue during questions to Tobias Ellwood, minister for defence people and veterans.

In response, Mr Ellwood said: “Following the closure of 119 Recovery Company, as part of the wider reorganisation of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, the Army and Defence is considering whether there are alternative uses for the Army Reserve Centre at Prestatyn.

“If none are found then disposal options will be considered, with any receipts generated being reinvested into the Reserve estate.”

The closure of 119 Recovery Company was part of the wider reorganisation of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) Reserve.

Mr Ellwood said plans for further investment in Kinmel Camp, Bodelwyddan, are in place and C Squadron, of 203 (Welsh) Field Hospital are expected to move from Llandudno.

An Army spokesman said The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association is “seeking to determine the levels of commercial interest” in the site.

Businessman Gavin Scott, who helped residents when they received letters from Liberty Properties asking to buy their homes, said “all had been quiet” on the issue.