“A vibrant economy is at the heart of our ambitions”
Cllr Ben Chapelard who represents St James’ has been leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council since 2022. Here he explains why the local economy is at the heart of his administration’s Strategic Plan for 2024-32
For many people Tunbridge Wells is a great place to live, a great place to work and a great place to visit. Our administration believes that it can be an even better place for all, and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has a leading role to play.
Following a process of engagement with residents, the draft Strategic Plan is now out for consultation.
The plan sets out the council’s priorities for the borough for the next eight years – I do hope that Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine readers and supporters will take part. Our priorities are:
- Vibrant Economy
- Community Wellbeing
- Sustainable Growth & Climate Action.
A vibrant local economy in our towns and villages is crucial to creating dynamic places to bring people together. That is why we bought Royal Victoria Place last October.
We have made progress with the opening of new shops such as Søstrene Grene as well as attracting big names such as Nando’s and Primark.
The shopping centre will also have to evolve to the reality of the digital age. That means there will be a greater mixture of retail, entertainment, food and beverage outlets.
Listening to the local business community matters to us. That is why, ever since I became council leader, I have gone out to meet various businesses across the borough to understand your hopes and aspirations.
There is so much ambition and dynamism out there. As a council, our role is to do all we can to support and promote business and economic growth. It is therefore important that members of the business community respond to the Draft Strategic Plan consultation alongside residents.
A thriving economy is the foundation for making Tunbridge Wells a place where people want to live and work. One challenge we face is that our borough has an ageing population, so we need to attract a diverse workforce to power the local economy.
We need to build the right types of homes in the right places. As the local planning authority, the council has a pivotal role in making this happen, quality housing is a key need to live a happy, healthy and fulfilling life.
It is great to see businesses in the borough working on sustainability and reducing their carbon emissions. As a community leader, our council also wants to support businesses as they tackle climate change.
Our Strategic Plan also aims to improve leisure facilities and create opportunities for walking and cycling. Getting Tunbridge Wells moving by getting people out of cars will help our borough to thrive. Pedestrians and cyclists return more often and spend more on each visit, contributing to the vibrant and dynamic community we want to help build.
I hope you can see that through our Strategic Plan our administration is unashamedly ambitious for our Borough and that you will take part in our Strategic Plan consultation. It runs until 13th October.
Twbc.online/strategicplansurvey
