Residents will get their first look at detailed designs for the proposed new Angel Centre in Tonbridge when plans go on public display next week.
The exhibition will be held at the existing Angel Centre in Tonbridge from Monday, February 16 to Sunday, February 22. Members of the public will be able to view architect-designed, computer-generated images of the proposed building, alongside information explaining the thinking behind the design of the multi-million-pound facility. The same material will also be available online from 8am.
This will be the first time the public can see the proposed red brick exterior, which includes large glass windows and a prominent riverside setting. Visitors are being encouraged to share their views through a survey. Floorplans will also be available, showing the new and upgraded facilities planned for the two-storey site, which is intended to be accessible and welcoming for all ages and abilities.
The new centre is planned for the current Sovereign Way Mid car park. Facilities proposed include an enhanced gym, a dedicated spin studio, a sports hall, a new café, a soft play area with party space, and an active wellbeing suite featuring power-assisted exercise equipment. The centre will be operated by the council’s leisure partner, tmactive.
The project forms part of the East of High Street Masterplan Framework, which sets out a long-term vision for Tonbridge town centre. The framework aims to transform underused land into a more vibrant, inclusive and sustainable neighbourhood, reconnecting the town with the River Medway. The new Angel Centre, because of its riverside location, would be the first development to deliver this vision.
The exhibition will also include a project timeline, showing progress from the early stages of the scheme through to design and the upcoming planning submission. Subject to planning approval and formal agreement by members of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, construction is proposed to begin in late 2026, with completion expected in 2028.
Alliance Leisure Ltd has been appointed as the council’s development partner to take the project through design and planning. The building has been designed by Saunders Boston Architects. Funding for the scheme will come from a combination of council reserves, borrowing and a contribution from the Tonbridge and Malling leisure trust, tmactive.
The exhibition is intended to gather final public feedback before a planning application is submitted in March 2026.
Cllr Adem Mehmet, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Tonbridge Regeneration, said the designs build on feedback from a public consultation held last year.
He 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.”
Members of the project team will be available at the exhibition every day between 10am and 3pm to answer questions and explain the plans. Comments can be submitted in person or online via the dedicated Angel Centre website.
The exhibition closes on Sunday, February 22 at 8pm.
Do you have something you want to tell the Tonbridge Bean about our town? Write to us at tonbridgebean@gmail.com with your thoughts and photos!
Have you subscribed?
Get our weekly newsletter, including a curated list of events for the weekend, straight to your inbox.
Bringing you all the latest news and events in Tonbridge.
Leave a Reply