Diggers Move In at Angel Centre Site Ahead of Make-or-Break Council Vote

Tonbridge's new Angel Centre took its next step this week, as archaeological surveys began at the Sovereign Way Mid Car Park site - but the project's fate still rests on a Full Council vote on 20 October.

Specialist teams are on site on Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 October digging a number of boreholes and trenches to take samples from the ground, checking for archaeological material and gathering information on ground conditions ahead of any future construction. Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) has been clear that this is preparatory work only, not the start of building work, and says it is in contact with Tonbridge Historical Society about the investigations.

Planning permission for the new Angel Centre was approved unanimously by councillors back in July, but the project still needs Full Council to formally ratify it on 20 October before construction can begin. That date has moved since the summer: when planning permission was granted, the council's own announcement pointed to a 14 October decision, but TMBC's latest update confirms the vote has shifted to 20 October.

If councillors give the go-ahead, the new Angel Centre will replace the current leisure centre, which is over 40 years old, with a modern, energy-efficient building on the same Sovereign Way site. Plans include an expanded gym, children's soft play and party rooms, three flexible community studios, a café and step-free access throughout, as part of a roughly £20 million investment. Construction is expected to begin this autumn, with the new centre scheduled to open in 2028 - full background on the original planning approval is in our earlier report.

Councillor Adem Mehmet, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Tonbridge Regeneration, said: "These investigations are an important part of the planning process and will help us better understand the ground conditions for any future development. We are committed to keeping the community informed and I want to reassure residents that this is not the start of construction work." The work is expected to take two days, and the council says it will aim to minimise disruption to residents and visitors to the town. Further updates are expected once Full Council has made its decision on 20 October. Source: Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council