Disused office space in a town centre could soon be converted into a new neighbourhood.

Developers say that their plans will improve Tunbridge Wells by replacing the “brutalist” blocks with houses which reflect the town’s “unique and historical character”.

The former AXA Health offices in Crescent Road have sat vacant since last year.

The buildings - known as Phillips House and Eynsham House - had hosted the health insurance giant for around 30 years.

Developers Kier Property and the Housing Growth Partnership (HGP) have announced plans to redevelop the site are in the works, and are expecting to put in a planning application for 46 homes in the Spring.

“The emerging plans include the delivery of 46 new highly sustainable family homes regenerating the vacant former AXA Health offices,” their website reads.

They say the homes will be “sympathetically designed to positively contribute to the conservation area,” and will “transform a vacant office location into a new residential neighbourhood.”

“Constructed in the 1970 and 80s in a brutalist style,” the firms argue the blocks as they stand do the town centre conservation area no favours.

“The project will provide investment into the local economy with more than £75,000 already committed to spend with local suppliers,” the developers add.

The site also includes two levels of basement parking underneath Eynsham House - one of the office buildings.

The site also isn’t designated for any particular use in the Borough’s local plan.

AXA still has offices in Hawkenbury, Tunbridge Wells.

The developers say the new homes will reflect the buildings “of the local context and Tunbridge Wells’ unique and historical character”.

Tunbridge Wells Cllr Nick Pope (TWA), said: “Redevelopment of the former office site into residential that blends in with the town’s historic character would be a positive thing for the town.

“We certainly don’t want another vacant site for several decades, and the current buildings do little for the architectural character of the town.”

Kier Property and HGP is holding in person consultations at the neighbouring Hotel du Vin from 12pm - 3pm tomorrow (February 29).

Residents can also fill out a form on the website for the proposals to give their opinion on the proposals.