Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has received more than £4 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The prospect of a Heritage, Cultural & Learning Hub in the centre of Tunbridge Wells is now a step closer following the announcement TWBC and Kent Council Council (KCC) have been successful in securing support.

The cultural hub project has received earmarked funding of £4.3 million, including a development grant of £178,000, to progress the work.

TWBC and KCC are working in partnership to deliver the project that brings together the museum, art gallery, library and adult education.

The council said the proposed hub is viewed as something which will be at the heart of the community and something which will strengthen the cultural, heritage and leisure offer of the town centre, borough and wider area.

TWBC leader, David Jukes, said: "We are delighted to get this grant. Work will start as soon as possible to select architects and professionals to develop what will be one of the best cultural centres in the region.

"It will enable us to display a great deal more of our treasures and attract people from around the world to see the unique collection of Tunbridge Ware and make Tunbridge Wells a destination for arts and culture."

Councillor Jane March said: "This is fantastic news for the borough and county. There is still a lot of work to be done but I’m delighted that HLF has indicated so clearly they feel this project is worthwhile. We now have a wonderful opportunity to secure Tunbridge Wells’ place on the cultural map."

Mike Hill, KCC’s cabinet member for community services, said: "A lot of work has already gone into the planning of this very ambitious project and we are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given it substantial financial backing."

"A lot of work has already gone into the planning of this very ambitious project and we are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given it substantial financial backing" - Mike Hill, KCC

Stuart McLeod, Head of HLF South East, said: "We liked Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s idea of creating a new centre for culture and learning in the heart of this historic town. Transforming two buildings into a flexible community space is a practical and imaginative way to get more people interested and involved with their local heritage.

"Joint working is something we always welcome; the additional involvement of Kent County Council made this an extremely attractive project for us to support with the help of National Lottery players’ money.’

The first-round application was submitted to HLF in August 2015. The two councils will now appoint external specialists to help develop and prepare for the next stage of the project which will build on the outline approved by HLF and will add detail to all aspects of the work.

The second-round application must be submitted within two years and subject to funding, construction could begin as early as January 2018.