Council reveals location for new Angel Centre in Tonbridge paving the way for town centre masterplan

How the riverside development could look in Tonbridge
-Credit:TMBC


Council chiefs have revealed the location of a new leisure hub for Tonbridge. It will be a "modern hub for sport, leisure and community activities".

Although the precise spot has not been announced, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council said it would be built "close to the existing Angel Centre". The new centre will be an important part of wider multi-million-pound development plans for the area, for which a masterplan is being worked up.

As KentLive previously reported, this plan could include new homes, shops, a pedestrian area or town square, medical services and improved access routes, and making better use of the nearby riverside. Redevelopment of the town centre aims to "transform" council-owned land and buildings, focusing on the area east of the town’s high street, including some of the car parks close to the Angel Centre and Sainsbury’s supermarket.

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Vision for town square for Tonbridge
Vision for town square for Tonbridge -Credit:TMBC

Placing the new Angel centre in the development area paves the way for the rest of the plan for the area, said the council. Council leader 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."

'Help us shape our town for generations to come'

He added: “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.

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"Help us bring forward the best proposals and shape our town for generations to come.” The survey asks residents and businesses what their priorities are for redevelopment of the area east of the High Street around Sainsbury’s.

The surveys - one for residents and one for business owners - run from today (January 30) to noon on Sunday (February 16).

The development area map for Tonbridge
The development area map for Tonbridge -Credit:TMBC

The proposed site for the new leisure centre will be decided upon by councillors in June. The site is mostly council-owned car parks and Sainsbury’s supermarket, petrol station and the current Angel Centre.

Councillors have agreed it needs replacing with a modern, more energy-efficient facility. The council said the proposals aim to revitalise this part of the town, capitalising on its prime location close to the picturesque River Medway, the historic heart of Tonbridge, and local transport links.

Angel West car park in Tonbridge where the Angle Centre is and Sainsbury's supermarket and petrol station
Angel West car park in Tonbridge where the Angle Centre is and Sainsbury's supermarket and petrol station -Credit:TMBC

The council has hired 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 this year.

To take part in the survey, click on this link here.