Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) is pleased to announce the community engagement period on the future of Royal Victoria Place (RVP) has concluded.
The engagement, run by specialists Redwood, took place between the 2 May and 25 May. During the three weeklong exercise – which included a digital survey, eleven pop-up engagement events across the borough and four workshops with key community groups, stakeholders and residents – 2,860 survey responses were received.
The engagement initiative follows Tunbridge Wells Borough Council purchase of RVP in October 2023 to secure its future and contribution to the town. The process sought to understand how this important asset in the community could play a stronger role in maintaining the attractiveness of the town for residents, employers and visitors and ensure any future plans were responsive to local needs. The strategy is in line with TWBC’s ambition to potentially transform it into a “mixed destination” with a greater focus on town centre living, leisure and community use and create new reasons to visit RVP and the surrounding areas at the top of town at different times of the day.
The findings of the survey form part of a wider feasibility review. TWBC is now reviewing the findings of this study ahead of a decision being made at Full Council on 16 July about how to proceed.
To ensure it is able to hit the ground running, should any future development proposals be agreed, TWBC has begun the procurement process for a town planner. Any development proposals and designs will then be subject to a full consultation, with further opportunities for the public and local stakeholders to shape details. The target is to reach the final stage of a planning application and WBC approval of associated budgets by next Autumn (2026).
Cllr Justine Rutland, Cabinet member for Economic Development and Chair of the Investment Advisory Panel, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, said:
“We have been greatly encouraged by the high levels of interest and engagement in the survey – it clearly demonstrates how supportive local residents are of change and their enthusiasm for helping to shape a positive future for both the shopping centre, and the wider town and borough. The initial survey findings are very positive, with some compelling themes emerging around future uses and potential improvements to this part of town.
We have a fantastic opportunity to reimagine what this key town centre location could become – from enhancing the retail offer to introducing town centre living, as well as new community and leisure spaces. This engagement marks the beginning of that conversation, and we look forward to the possibility of progressing to more detailed designs, subject to Full Council approval in July.”