Councillors gave the green light for the development at a Full Council meeting on Tuesday evening, marking the largest public investment in the town for a generation. The new centre will be located in the heart of Tonbridge on the Sovereign Way Mid Car Park, replacing the current facility which has reached the end of its operational life.
Designed by specialist leisure architects, the modern, energy-efficient building will offer contemporary leisure, health, and community facilities. Plans include a children's soft play area, party rooms, a public café, an immersive spin studio, an expanded gym, and three multi-purpose studios capable of hosting community meetings and events for up to 332 people. The design also incorporates step-free access, inclusive equipment, an active wellbeing suite, modern audio-visual equipment, and low carbon, energy-efficient heating and ventilation.
The project is fully funded through council reserves, existing budgets, and a £1 million contribution from tmactive, the not-for-profit organisation that manages the current Angel Centre and other leisure facilities across the borough. Management of the new centre will remain unchanged.
“"I am thrilled that councillors have unanimously supported the decision to proceed with this project, which represents a major investment in leisure and community facilities for residents. It's the first civic building of this scale to be built in Tonbridge for over 40-years and will transform this part of the High Street. The current Angel Centre has served the borough well and the new building will provide modern facilities that can meet the needs of current and future generations."
The new Angel Centre is the first building to be delivered as part of the Tonbridge Town Centre Masterplan, aimed at creating a thriving riverside destination. The existing centre will continue to operate with an uninterrupted programme of activities during construction, which is expected to be completed in 2028.
