Design Plans for new Angel Centre in Tonbridge

Detailed images and plans of the proposed new Angel Centre in Tonbridge have been revealed for the first time in a public display.

The exhibition is on at the existing Angel Centre, in Tonbridge, until Sunday February 22. The community is invited to explore architect designed, computer generated images of the proposed building, along with comprehensive information about the thinking behind the look and feel of the multi-million-pound facility. Details are also available online.  

This is the first opportunity to see the proposed red brick exterior, which features large glass windows and prominent riverside setting. People are being invited to share their views of the design through a survey.  Floorplans will showcase the new and upgraded facilities planned for the two-storey site, which aims to provide a welcoming space for all ages and abilities.  

The new amenity, earmarked for the current Sovereign Way Mid car park, will include an enhanced gym, dedicated spin studio, sports hall, a new café, soft play area with party space, and an active wellbeing suite with unique power assisted exercise equipment. It will be operated by the council’s leisure partner tmactive.  

The new Angel Centre is shaped by the East of High Street Masterplan Framework, which sets out a vision for Tonbridge town centre, transforming underused land into a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable neighbourhood that reconnects the town with its river, its heritage, and its people. The new building, with its riverside location, will be the first project to deliver on this vision.  

The exhibition includes a project timeline, marking the progress of the development from its inception through to the design phases and planning submission with proposals for construction to begin by late 2026, with completion by 2028, subject to planning approval and ratification by members of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.  

Alliance Leisure Ltd has been appointed as the council’s development partner to progress the project through the design and planning stages, with Saunders Boston Architects behind the creative design. The project will be funded by a combination of council reserves, borrowing and a contribution from the Tonbridge and Malling leisure trust (tmactive). 

This event is an opportunity for the community to feedback their views before the planning application is submitted in March 2026. 

Cllr Adem Mehmet, who represents Trench ward in Tonbridge and is Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Tonbridge Regeneration, said: “The progress of this design builds on a public consultation undertaken last year. We’re excited about unveiling this new, innovative and sustainable Angel Centre that local families, groups, and businesses will be able to use. Feedback gathered so far has helped shape the proposals, and visitors are encouraged to comment and share their thoughts one last time before the designs are submitted for planning permission next month. “ 

During the exhibition members of the project team will be on hand to guide visitors through the designs and answer questions every day between 10am - 3pm. Comments can be submitted at the exhibition, or via the dedicated Angel Centre website https://angel-leisure-development.co.uk/

The exhibition closes on Sunday February 22 at 8pm.