Alex Green, chief executive of RTW Together BID, has praised Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s approach to Royal Victoria Place (RVP), saying continued investment in the shopping centre will be crucial to the future prosperity of the town centre.
In an open letter, Mr Green welcomed plans to further develop RVP, including a new leisure offering, hospitality spaces and a boutique cinema.
He said RVP plays a central role in Tunbridge Wells’ retail economy, acting as a major anchor for the town centre and helping to attract visitors from across the wider area.
However, the centre has faced significant challenges over the past 25 years, including competition from Bluewater, increased retail provision at North Farm, the shift towards online shopping and wider economic pressures, compounded by the impact of the Covid pandemic.
Mr Green warned that declining footfall and increasing vacancies risk creating a downward spiral, with consequences for the wider town.
“When facing threats, the worst thing that can be done is to do nothing. Therefore, we were pleased by the decisive action of TWBC to acquire the long leasehold and secure it for the town,” he said.
He added that the council’s intervention had helped protect the centre from the possibility of alternative redevelopment that could have harmed the wider town centre economy.
Since the council acquired the leasehold, new operators, including Primark and Nando’s, have been attracted to the town, while major retailers, including Fenwick and M&S, have been retained. The council has also reported an increase of 1.2 million in footfall.
Mr Green and his colleagues believe further investment could build on this progress, particularly through the proposed leisure and hospitality developments.
RTW Together BID has also urged the leaders of the different political groups on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to continue working together to progress the plans, describing the project as a significant opportunity for the town’s long-term future.
While acknowledging that a project of this scale carries risks, Mr Green said it offered an opportunity to improve the council’s financial return from RVP while supporting local businesses and attracting more visitors.
The comments come as the future of the town centre remains a key concern for local businesses, with RVP continuing to be one of its most significant commercial assets.
In closing, Mr Green added: “Finally, whilst separate from my role as CEO of RTW Together BID, as a long-term resident who is very excited by the scheme, I’d like to add that, whilst there have been some concerns raised about the project, I would suggest they represent a relatively small minority, with the majority of local residents being excited to see this investment in the town, which will help it become more vibrant and prosperous.”
