Sevenoaks moves closer to new leisure centre and town centre regeneration

Sevenoaks has taken another step towards one of the biggest town centre changes in years, after the District Council agreed to appoint Wates as the preferred contractor for the Land East of Sevenoaks High Street project.

The scheme focuses on the Buckhurst Lane and Suffolk Way area and includes plans for a new leisure centre, improved public spaces, better links through the town centre and new energy-efficient homes.

At the heart of the project is a brand-new, modern and energy-efficient leisure centre. The existing leisure centre building is nearing the end of its life and will need to be replaced in the coming years. The new facility is expected to include a swimming pool, gym, studios and a sports hall, helping to protect Sevenoaks’ leisure offer for future generations.

The wider regeneration plans also include a cultural hub and market hall at 96 High Street, improved pedestrian routes between the High Street, library, town car park and Knole Park, new public green spaces and a green corridor leading towards the park.

The proposals have already changed following earlier feedback from residents and stakeholders. One of the biggest updates is that the existing library will remain in its current town centre location. Previous concerns raised by the public included parking, accessibility, traffic, the impact of construction work, the location of a proposed hotel and the facilities planned for the new leisure centre.

The overall project is estimated to cost around £138 million. Sevenoaks District Council says the scheme is expected to be self-financing, with income from the new homes helping to pay for the leisure centre and other public improvements. The council says this approach is needed because there is no major Government funding available to rebuild the leisure centre.

The project could also bring a significant economic boost to the town. The value of goods and services linked to the development is estimated to be close to £8 million a year. During construction, 263 jobs could be created, with a further 89 full-time jobs associated with the project after completion.

However, the scheme is not final yet. Wates will now work on early project designs, which will be shared with residents and local businesses for feedback. After consultation events, the plans are expected to be updated before a planning application is submitted from late 2027.

If planning permission is granted, construction could begin in 2028.

A key decision is still ahead. The appointment of Wates is subject to funding approval, with councillors expected to consider the project’s funding at a Council meeting on 14 July 2026.

For residents, the next stage will be about the detail: what the new leisure centre will look like, how many homes are proposed, how traffic and parking will be managed, and whether the new public spaces will genuinely improve everyday access around Sevenoaks town centre.

More information about the project is available here: Land East of Sevenoaks Highstreet Update