Torrington Car Park Development

Thursday, 4 December 2025 16:23

By Daniel Esson, Local Democracy Reporter

A colossal town centre multi-storey car park in Tunbridge Wells could be reworked into homes and businesses.

Tunbridge Wells-based Grifo Developments is consulting the public on proposals to redevelop the Torrington Car Park in the town.

The multi-storey sits on Vale Avenue, next to Tunbridge Wells railway station.

Grifo says that, while plans are yet to be finalised, it is expecting to submit an application for around 120 build-to-rent homes on the town centre site.

Still in use as a public car park and used by the train station, the developers say all 405 parking spaces will be re-provided as part of the development.

“The Torrington Car Park site has long been recognised within local planning policy as a key regeneration opportunity,” they write.

“Grifo is now exploring how this prominent but underwhelming site could be transformed into a high-quality, mixed-use development that improves the arrival experience into the town.”

They believe it could “act as a catalyst for wider renewal across the town centre.”

The Range currently occupies a large shop space on the bottom floor of the structure, and the developers say they will also re-provide the 6,900 sq ft of commercial space in the new development.

Two public consultation events are being held to promote the plans and hear the public’s views.

One was on Wednesday (November 26), while the second is from 3pm-8pm in the function room of the One Warwick Park Hotel on Warwick Place, on Tuesday, December 2.

The developer is also taking online feedback until Sunday, January 18 through its website.

Under the local authority’s emerging plan for the town centre, the site is proposed for a redevelopment to improve the experience of arriving to the town by rail.

The developers aim to submit a planning application by the end of spring next year, and expect Tunbridge Wells council to decide on the plans by the end of 2026.

They then hope to start work on site in 2027, and finish the development in 2029.

 

More from WEST KENT NEWS

  • Local hero's role celebrated

    This grave in Southborough’s cemetery is decorated for Christmas each year to recognise the role local civil engineer Guy Maunsell played in saving the lives of many Londoners during World War 2.

  • Huge Queues at Primark

    Primark has opened its brand new store in Tunbridge Wells with hundreds of enthusiastic shoppers queuing to be the first through the door at 10am.

  • Boil Water Notice Lifted

    South East Water announced at 3pm on Friday that its instruction to boil tap water before use had been lifted for customers in Tunbridge Wells.

  • World Record Achieved in Tonbridge

    A tug of war involving 500 children from the Tonbridge Juniors Football Club has just been certified as an official Guinness world record.

  • Water crisis may cost firms £20m

    Businesses in Tunbridge Wells are calling on shoppers and local residents to support them in the run up to the festive season.

  • Tonbridge MP 1974-2015 Has Died

    Tributes have been paid to the former Member of Parliament for Tonbridge and Malling, Sir John Stanley, who's died aged 83 after illness.

  • St Mark's Field: Developer's Plans

    The developer Esquire has submitted a planning application to reclassify St Mark's recreation ground as a "Biodiversity Enhancement area."

  • Sevenoaks Council's New Conservative Leader

    The Conservative Kevin Maskell has been elected leader of Sevenoaks District Council after the previous Conservative leader lost a vote of no confidence last month.

On Air Now Mid Morning Golden Greats 9:00am - Noon
Now Playing
Golden Years David Bowie
Recently Played
  • (Love Is Like A) Heatwave Martha Reeves & The Vandellas 9:02
  • News West Kent Radio 8:59
  • Panic Cord Gabrielle Aplin 8:56

COMING UP