Plans for hundreds of homes, a new hotel and a leisure centre have been described as an “exciting opportunity” for a medieval market town.
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has unveiled blueprints detailing how it hopes to transform the centre of Tonbridge, revealing land it owns to the east of the high street could be rejuvenated.
Though in its early stages, the local authority says it wants to build 277 homes, an 80-bed budget hotel and a replacement for the Angel Centre on plots hugging the River Medway.
Land currently occupied by the Angel Centre could host 56 homes, while another 122 are earmarked for Sovereign Way North Car Park and a further 99 in Vale West.
The Vale Road car park is where a new hotel could be built, with initial talks leading to a formal offer from an as-yet unknown budget hotelier.
A competitor opted not to engage in discussions, with the council believing this to be because of their presence in the town already.
At the Sovereign Way East Car Park, a new primary healthcare facility is proposed, positioned along Avenue du Puy for maximum accessibility.
The council says doing this alongside the new leisure centre will create a health and wellbeing hub.
The relocation and rebuilding of a leisure centre has already been agreed, with a £23 million deal to move the facility to the Sovereign Way Mid Car Park signed off in April.
To ensure continuity of service, the new leisure centre will be completed before the Angel Leisure Centre is decommissioned and demolished.
TMBC says its scheme represents a “transformative vision for Tonbridge town centre”.
“It reimagines underused land as a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable neighbourhood that reconnects the town with its river, its heritage, and its people,” said council chiefs.
“At the heart of the framework is a powerful ambition: An ambitious and evolving town centre, where new leisure amenities enhance everyday life for the community, and thoughtfully designed homes invite more people to call Tonbridge home – helping to energise the high street and to rediscover the relationship between the town, the river and its open spaces.
“The River Medway becomes a central spine for movement, nature, and leisure. A new linear park will transform the south bank into a green corridor for walking, cycling, and socialising.”
If all goes to plan, it is expected that the delivery of the regeneration would take up to 10 years, though funding is yet to be secured.
More public consultations will take place over the summer as the council develops the project.
Following this, the masterplan will return to the authority’s cabinet for adoption in October.
