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£9m plan for new visitor attraction at former BHS at Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells

09:56, 16 March 2022

updated: 15:31, 16 March 2022

Go karts could soon be whizzing around a track at a shopping centre as part of multi-million pound plans for a new visitor attraction in a former BHS.

The proposals for the empty retail units at Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells also include a cinema, ten-pin bowling and virtual reality gaming.

Royal Victoria Place shopping centre in Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells. Picture: RVP/ David Dettmann
Royal Victoria Place shopping centre in Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells. Picture: RVP/ David Dettmann

The three-storey BHS shut in August 2016 and the units have remained vacant ever since.

Visitors to the new complex, which could open as early as next year, would also be able to play mini golf and laser tag.

The project is the brainchild of Elite Leisure Collection, which had planned to open a two-storey karting circuit at the Longfield Road retail park in the town.

It is understood the new plans for Royal Victoria Place will feature a 230m track and eco-friendly electric karts.

It would be open every day until midnight.

The former Tunbridge Wells branch of BHS
The former Tunbridge Wells branch of BHS

Greg Clark, MP for Tunbridge Wells, is thrilled. He said: "This is fantastic news for the town.

"So often young people in particular say to me that there isn’t enough to do in Tunbridge Wells and if this gets the go ahead, it will provide entertainment for all ages.

"It should also be a magnet attracting visitors from further afield and provide much needed customers for all the other shops and facilities at the top of the town."

Cllr David Scott said: "I am delighted at the announcement of the new entertainment facility.

"Elite Leisure Group have been a major supporter of our community and I thank them on behalf of us all, for their ongoing support for our town in this and other ventures in the Borough.

MP Greg Clark believes the new venue will provide activities for everyone. Picture: Parliamentlive.tv
MP Greg Clark believes the new venue will provide activities for everyone. Picture: Parliamentlive.tv

"I particularly wish to congratulate them on this new entertainment venture which will help rejuvenate our town, standing alongside other major developments.

He added: "This facility will become a major draw, particularly for children and young adults, although I am sure most residents and visitors will be drawn to it.

"Ever since discussing possibilities with them, I have been eagerly waiting for the announcement and the prospect of enjoying the facilities they are making available."

BHS ceased trading at the shopping centre when the chain collapsed, with all its stores nationwide closing.

A branch of Miss Selfridge, part of the Arcadia Group, at the centre also closed the same day.

BHS was also previously part of the group, before being sold by Sir Philip Green in 2015 for just £1.

At the time of the closure, it was rumoured that Primark would take over the BHS store.

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