Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council (TMBC) has provided fresh details regarding the community provision and decision-making timeline for the proposed new Angel Centre, following a series of clarifications on social media.
The council recently unveiled design concepts aimed at creating an inclusive hub for gym-goers, young families, and lifelong learners. A central pillar of the new design is the inclusion of flexible, adaptable, and multi-purpose suites engineered to accommodate everything from small gatherings to large-scale events for up to 330 people. According to TMBC, the proposed layout features three distinct areas offering small, medium, or large rooms suitable for performances, community events, and demonstrations. The total available floorspace is expected to be comparable to the Medway Hall in the existing Angel Centre. Additionally, the facility will feature a bright café area serving barista-style drinks, healthy snacks, and light lunches to cater for informal everyday connections.
Clearer Timelines and Key Decision Dates
Following requests from local residents for greater clarity on the approval process, TMBC confirmed the precise timeline for the project’s progression. While proposals are currently under review by planning officers, the formal decisions will take place in two distinct stages:
- 15 July 2026: The planning application will be formally determined by the Planning Committee.
- 20 October 2026: If planning permission is granted, Full Council will vote on whether to officially proceed with the project.
If both stages receive approval, the council intends to commence construction work in November this year.
Logistical Adjustments and Hire Arrangements
Public scrutiny also turned to the practical logistics of running large-scale events within the new multi-purpose spaces. Questions were raised regarding the storage of furniture required to seat maximum capacity crowds of up to 330 people.
TMBC clarified that chairs will not be permanently laid out in the multi-purpose spaces. Instead, storage will be provided within the suites, supplemented by additional storage capacity factored into recent design revisions elsewhere in the building.
The council noted that for larger annual or one-off events, there will always be the option to hire in extra seating. When pressed on whether the financial burden of chair hire would fall directly on local community groups and event organisers, TMBC stated that arrangements would be handled on a case-by-case basis, noting that they would have that conversation with each individual hirer depending on the nature of their event.
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