Final decision looms for new £20m leisure centre

Archaeological surveys are due to begin at the site of a proposed £20m leisure centre in Kent ahead of a final council decision on the scheme.

Plans to replace the Angel Centre in Tonbridge were granted planning permission in July, but the project still requires ratification by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) on 20 October.

The proposed facility would include an expanded gym, spin studio, sports hall, café, soft play area with party space and a well-being suite.

Preparatory archaeological work due to take place on Monday and Tuesday must be completed before any construction can begin, TMBC said.

Specialist teams at the Sovereign Way Mid Car Park will dig a number of boreholes and trenches to take samples from the ground.

The work will help check for archaeological material beneath the site and provide information about ground conditions.

Councillor Adem Mehmet, TMBC 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."

"I want to reassure residents that this is not the start of construction work."

Construction is expected to begin in autumn this year, with the new centre scheduled to open its doors in 2028.

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