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Plans to redevelop Sevenoaks town centre including Buckhurst Lane, Suffolk Way and Sevenoaks Leisure Centre

08:39, 10 April 2024

Sevenoaks town centre has been earmarked for a revamp.

Buckhurst Lane, Suffolk Way and the area close to Sevenoaks High Street is set to be redeveloped.

Sevenoaks Leisure Centre could get a revamp. Picture: Google Maps
Sevenoaks Leisure Centre could get a revamp. Picture: Google Maps

Sevenoaks District Council's proposals include replacing the existing leisure centre with a new, energy-efficient building.

It is labelling the project a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve the area”.

Also in the pipeline is a new hotel and plans to bring library and adult education services together under one roof.

Better pedestrian links between the town centre and Knole Park and a new market hall for local vendors are also on the cards.

The council says these early proposals will also allow land to be released for new homes, including affordable housing and market housing – the latter of which will help fund leisure improvements.

Sevenoaks High Street. Picture: Google Maps
Sevenoaks High Street. Picture: Google Maps

The authority, as well as Kent County Council (KCC), owns property and land in the area and wants people's ideas to help shape the redevelopment.

Cllr Julia Thornton, leader of Sevenoaks District Council, said: “This is a really exciting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve Sevenoaks’ leisure, learning and cultural offer while enhancing the local environment and supporting the town’s economy.

“It is hugely important to us that we hear directly from those people who live, work and spend their time in Sevenoaks about what they would like to see included in these plans for the land east of the High Street.

“Their input at this key early stage will help shape the vision for this area. We are very much looking forward to hearing what people have to say and the other brilliant ideas that they may have.”

The council is holding two events at Sevenoaks Leisure Centre this month.

Leader of Sevenoaks District Council, Cllr Julia Thornton. Picture: Sevenoaks District Council
Leader of Sevenoaks District Council, Cllr Julia Thornton. Picture: Sevenoaks District Council

The first will be on Wednesday, April 24 from 1.30pm to 8.30pm while the second will take place on Saturday, April 27 between 10am and 3pm.

There will also be an online meeting on Monday, April 29 from 7pm to 9pm.

The council says the public survey and the information at the events will be on its website.

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