Proposals to improve a shopping centre in the heart of Tunbridge Wells have received a warm welcome.

Almost 90% of people who attended a public exhibition at Royal Victoria Place last week gave the redevelopment scheme their support.

The exhibition was being held before a planning application is submitted to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

Hundreds of people visited the display to find out more about plans and give the working team feedback.

The proposals are for a multi-screen cinema within the centre’s roof as well as several new restaurants and bigger stores to attract well-known high street retailers.

In addition there will be a brand new entrance at the eastern end of Calverley Road close to Camden Road to encourage more people to visit this area of the town centre.

New buildings will also be built on the corner of Calverley Road and Camden Road.

A total of 88% of consultation responses showed support for the proposals and 91% said they would like to see a new shopping and leisure offer at Royal Victoria Place.

Centre manager, Nicky Blanchard, said shoppers were excited to hear about the investment plans.

She added: “We were delighted that so many people took the time to come and see the plans for themselves and talk to the team working on the project.

"We’ve had a lot of positive feedback and people seem genuinely excited by the prospect of a major investment in the town centre" - Nicky Blanchard, RVP centre manager

"We’ve had a lot of positive feedback and people seem genuinely excited by the prospect of a major investment in the town centre.

“We believe a new cinema will act as a magnet to encourage people to come into the town centre and spend more time here, especially at night. It will not just benefit Royal Victoria Place but the whole town centre and the local night time economy in general.

“We are now looking forward to analysing people’s comments and taking them on board as we continue to work on our emerging proposals.”

It is anticipated that a planning application for the proposals will be submitted by Christmas.

The results of questionnaires completed by visitors to the exhibition will be published as part of the planning application.