Campaign launched to save popular snooker centre

A campaign has been launched in a bid to save a snooker club which has played host to many stars of the game from being demolished.

The Victoria Snooker Centre, in Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells has hosted exhibition games featuring the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan, Mark Allen and Stuart Bingham.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC), which is the landlord of the building, has plans to revamp the neighbouring Royal Victoria Place to include a new boutique cinema and restaurants.

Jerome Bowman, who has launched the campaign, said: "Losing the club would mean losing a vital community hub, local heritage, a place to play one of Britain's most popular sports and a place filled with shared memories."

He said: "Everyone needs a third place. People socialise and make friends at the club, and this helps reduce isolation."

The owner of the Victoria Snooker Centre, Graham Martin, who manages the club with his children, said: "I've owned the snooker centre for 15 years, it's like my home. We have nearly 400 members.

"The club is a fantastic gathering place," he said.

"It is inclusive, people know each other and we know our members.

"The club helps build a sense of community and togetherness."

Mr Martin says he hopes the council will see the "indelible value" the club has brought to the community over the years.

"I saw the council's layout plans for the Royal Victoria Place, but I didn't see anything about our snooker centre being included," he said.

"I feel the council should tell us what is happening and what their plans are."

A TWBC spokesperson says following a public consultation "all feedback will be carefully reviewed before finalising the proposals".

"The council is in regular contact with the owner and their representatives.

"A planning application is expected to be submitted around Easter 2026," they said.

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