Former Cinema Site, Tunbridge Wells
Permission has been granted to redevelop the longstanding vacant ABC Cinema site in Tunbridge Wells.
Site owner, Retirement Villages Group (RVG), part of AXA IM Real Assets, can now get to work creating 166 retirement and housing with care apartments, plus a restaurant, bar, pool, gym and function room, and nine retail units, after DHA secured planning permission.
Working closely with Collado Collins Architects and the planning officers from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC), the cinema site application was taken to committee in 13 weeks from validation of the application. This was testament to RVG and the whole team's commitment to pre-application consultation and collaboration with TWBC planning department and key statutory consultees, which was invaluable on what is a high profile, constrained and sensitive site.
The estimated £72m investment is part of RVG's plans to acquire and develop up to 40 new later-living housing schemes across the UK over the next 15 years.
Project Team
Oonagh joined DHA in Summer 2019 as a Geography MA Graduate and has completed her Masters in Town Planning from London South Bank University.
Oonagh Kerrigan BA MA
Associate
Oonagh works in the planning team and is involved in a wide range of projects with a particular focus on residential and mixed-use developments. Some of her recent schemes include:
- Wises Lane, Sittingbourne
- Land at Church Road, Otham
- Eureka Park, Ashford
- Paddock Wood Community Centre
Oonagh was promoted to Associate in January 2025.