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Kent County Council and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council announce plans for £2.37 million revamp of Tonbridge High Street

Tonbridge High Street is destined to get a £2.37 million face lift later this year.

Pavements will be widened, the road surface relaid and a 20mph speed limit enforced in the town centre, if the scheme goes ahead.

It is also planned for cycle lanes to be created and high quality signs, benches and bins to be fitted.

The river just off Tonbridge High Street
The river just off Tonbridge High Street

The new plans, which are not yet complete, will be unveiled at Tonbridge Castle on Friday, February 6 - 10 months after Sainsbury’s pulled out of a ‘financially unviable’ £70 million redevelopment for the area.

Cllr Vivian Branson, a conservative representative for the Castle ward, said: “I think it’s marvellous.

“It’s going to bring a feeling of more peace to High Street and make it more pleasant for residents.

“The ideas that are going to be displayed aren’t necessary the final plans. We’re not telling the public this is what you’re going to get.

“These are the first ideas and residents will have a chance to shape what happens to their town.”

The scheme, which the West Kent Chamber of Commerce says it supports, is being spearheaded by Kent County Council with the support of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.

It will be funded by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership.

This is an organisation that brings together key leaders from business, local government, further and higher education to explore opportunities for business and address barriers to growth.

County councillor David Brazier
County councillor David Brazier

Cllr David Brazier, a Kent County Council cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “These measures will provide a pleasant, pedestrian friendly environment, and reduce interruptions to through traffic, improving air quality and improving bus journey times.”

Cllr Nicolas Heslop, leader of the borough council, added: “This investment that we have worked hard to achieve is great news for the town.

“A quality scheme to enhance the High Street will build upon our efforts to help the vitality of the town centre and support the priority for economic regeneration.”

Cllr Nicolas Heslop, leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council
Cllr Nicolas Heslop, leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council

The politicians hope that the new look town centre will see a reduction in emissions produced from vehicles and plan to create designated sections for business deliveries.

Members of the public will be able to view the proposals at Tonbridge Castle between 10am and 4pm on Friday, February 6 and 10am to 2pm on Saturday, February 7.

Details will also be seen online by visiting: www.tonbridgehighstreet.org.

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