Royal Victoria Place's Ely Court Plans Cleared to Progress After Listing Decision

A hurdle that had been hanging over Royal Victoria Place's redevelopment plans has now been cleared. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has confirmed that the former Friendly Societies Hall and ground floor shops at 3-7 Camden Road will not be added to the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, following a recommendation from Historic England that a Certificate of Immunity from Listing be issued for the building.

That decision means the proposals to transform Ely Court - one strand of the wider Royal Victoria Place transformation this site covered in detail back in April - can now progress through the planning process. The scheme is intended to bring more people into the town centre during the day and evening, complementing the separate improvements already under way at Palm Court. A borough-wide digital survey of 2,860 people, gathered as part of the feedback process, identified strong support specifically for a town centre cinema.

Cllr Justine Rutland, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and chair of the council's cross-party Investment Advisory Panel, said the council "welcome[s] the clarity provided by the listing decision, which means the Ely Court and Royal Victoria Place proposals can now progress through the planning process." She added that although the former Friendly Societies Hall won't be listed, "our proposals retain and enhance its distinctive frontage so that an important part of Camden Road's historic character continues to be reflected within the wider redevelopment."

Alex Green, Chief Executive of Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, the town's Business Improvement District, welcomed the progress too: "We are excited by the benefits the proposed development within the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre will bring to our members... A significant investment in the core of our town will undoubtedly assist Royal Tunbridge Wells to thrive as a desirable destination for both visitors and residents alike."

The listing decision follows recent momentum at the site more broadly, including new shops and businesses opening, the car park refurbishment with rooftop solar panels this site also covered, and increased footfall and events. The council says further detail on next steps will follow later this year. Source: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council