Tunbridge Wells' aspirations.

Leading architect and resident Ptolemy Dean, who specialises in historic buildings and designing new buildings in sensitive locations, has raised concerns that the council’s redevelopment plans have shown that it fails to understand what makes the town special.

He said: “It looks as if there might now be a moment of reflection about how and what might be done in Tunbridge Wells. While the emphasis might be placed upon what changes could be made, I would hope that as a first stage this plan might be based upon a sound understanding and appreciation of what makes Tunbridge Wells such a successful place for people to live and enjoy now, when so many of the neighbouring towns are so clearly unsuccessful by comparison.” (link to article)

I concur entirely with the sentiment expressed above.  I chaired  the steering group that published the first Tunbridge Wells Borough Community Plan 2003-11. The first paragraph states:

(The Plan) is built on the main local aspirations and concerns people have identified.

What I have difficulty with is the idea that the emphasis is swirling around the future of the civic complex.  The complex includes a library and museum/art gallery which is in need of improvement and the Assembly Hall which also requires upgrading.  Tunbridge Wells has a thriving cultural life centered on these buildings, the Trinity Theatre and the Forum.  We should be seeking to improve the facilities by going along the path trodden by Canterbury City Council.  To repeat my statement  in an earlier blog:


The City Council has replaced a crumbling converted 1930s cinema, which acted as the city's theatre. The new 1,200-seat auditorium will be able to stage everything from conferences to West End shows and grand opera, and has a state-of-the-art studio theatre. It can also accommodate an 80-piece orchestra for concerts.

Is our fate in Tunbridge Wells to muddle along in outdated buildings for no other reason than nostalgia?   Development, such as that achieved in Canterbury, would add immeasurably to the cultural and economic well-being of Tunbridge Wells.  The cultural activity is a major factor in making the town such a successful place for people to live and enjoy.

We should be concentrating on what makes Tunbridge Wells a good place to live now and how we can make it better for future generations. We must not wallow in the history, nor let it dictate our future. 

See also: http://kentcommunityactivist.blogspot.com/2011/07/royal-tunbridge-wells-and-nostalgia.html