Two Week Consultation

A new leisure hub for Tonbridge will be built close to the existing Angel Centre.

The announcement by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council coincides with the launch of a two-week survey to give residents and businesses a chance to share their priorities for redevelopment of the area east of the High Street around Sainsbury’s.

The council says: "Locating the replacement Angel centre within the development area paves the way for a masterplan for the whole site, allocating uses to specific locations".

Options include new homes, shops, a pedestrian area or town square, medical services and improved access routes, including making better use of the nearby riverside.

Council Leader Matt Boughton told Julia Neal that the council wants to hear as many views as possible. Listen to her report, which includes Garry Bridge of the Liberal Democrats and Mark Hood of the Green Party.

A specific location for the new leisure centre will be recommended as part of the initial masterplanning process with a decision by councillors on adoption of the proposal due by June 2025.

Here is Julia Neal's second report on options for the development of Tonbridge, airing on Tuesday 18th February 2025.

The existing site is largely given over to council-owned car parks and is home to the Sainsbury’s store, petrol station and existing Angel Centre, which councillors have agreed in principle to replace with a modern, more energy efficient facility.

The proposals aim to revitalise this part of the town, capitalising on its prime location close to the picturesque river, the historic heart of Tonbridge and local transport links.  

Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Cllr Matt Boughton said: “I know many people across Tonbridge will be pleased we can confirm the replacement Angel centre will be in a prime location close to the existing site.

“This will ensure that a modern hub for sport, leisure and community activities will be easily accessible and will form a key element of our wider plans to redevelop this important part of our town.

“The survey we’re launching, is also a vital part of the process so we can design something that meets the needs of our residents now and in the future.

“I’d urge everyone who cares about Tonbridge to get involved and share your thoughts and views with us. Help us bring forward the best proposals and shape our town for generations to come.”

The surveys ran from Thursday 30 January to noon Sunday 16 February. 

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has teamed up with the global design experts, Mace, and architects, Periscope, to develop the masterplan.

Funding options for the scheme, including private sector investment, will be developed in the next phase of the project during 2025.

More information at:
https://www.tmbc.gov.uk/planning/tonbridge-town-centre-development