The owners of the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre in Tunbridge Wells have announced an £11million investment.

Work is scheduled to start in the autumn with renovations throughout to include new flooring across the centre, new seating areas, rooflight features and a new piece of artwork, which will be created by a local designer, inspired by Tunbridge Wells’ heritage.

When the works are completed in early summer 2020, the centre will also have enhanced toilets and modernised signage.

More than 76 jobs are expected to be created.

Centre manager Nicky Blanchard said: “We’re so excited. We’ve been working hard to produce a design that will help modernise Royal Victoria Place, as well as create a relaxing, feel-good space for our visitors.

"The works represent a significant investment for us, and we can’t wait to see the end result.”

Annalise Walker, asset manager at British Land, said: “During the renovation planning process it’s been very important for us to listen to our visitors and we’ve worked closely with the management team to decide how to make improvements that we know will make a difference to our shoppers.

"We’re confident that what we’ve got planned will provide a high-quality shopping experience for visitors and we look forward to getting started very soon.”

Cllr Alan McDermott, the leader of Tunbridge Wells council said: “This is very welcome news from British Land.

"This is a major investment in the town and the renovation will bring the centre up to date."

Royal Victoria Place is home to department store Fenwick, plus M&S, Next, Topshop, HMV, Oliver Bonas, Hobbs, Hotel Chocolat, Lush, Superdry, French Connection, Timberland,

L’Occitane, Pandora, Trespass and Swarovski.

It has parking for 1,750 cars.

British Land own a portfolio of retail premises valued at £12.9bn.

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