MUCH-loved local attraction Penshurst Off Road Cycling is set to be reborn as a new ‘leisure, community and dining space’ called Kingdom.
Set in 13 acres of woodland in South Park off Grove Road, the site features outstanding views and an iconic wood-and-glass clubhouse.
It has a well-established mountain bike track carved out of the hillside, while a new 1.1mile ‘road’ circuit will also be constructed.
The new facility is being set up by Peter Cornwell, whose I’ll Be Mother company runs The Beacon and The Twenty-Six restaurants in Tunbridge Wells as well as The Swan at the Chapel Down vineyard in Tenterden.
Kingdom will offer ‘the experience and ambition to create a truly holistic environment for customers to refresh, recharge and reconnect with the natural world, whilst participating in sport and leisure’.
The company is starting a crowdfunding campaign for an equity share of 10 per cent.
Co-Founder and Director Ross Blake said: “Kingdom is a unique space to unplug, unwind and relax with family and friends for food, activity, nature and togetherness.
“We are offering investors the chance to own a slice of the adventure. We’re only at the starting line of a bigger vision and plan to create other such unique venues with escape and activity at the heart of them.
“A venue for skiing and triathlon training has already been spotted. But we have decided to start close to home and on two wheels which is a passion for each of us.”
The eye-catching four-storey clubhouse, which has an open roof terrace, was constructed around the trunks of trees which were felled by the hurricane of 1987.
It will offer refreshments from Basil, the café group which has outlets in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge. It will be available for weddings and corporate events.
There will also be a cycle retail shop in the basement in partnership with Wyndymilla, who will provide group and individual coaching as well.
Kingdom’s own Cycle Club will work with British Cycling, the national governing body, to develop a programme of events and training to identify future talent.
To contact the directors to discuss investment, email hello@kingdom.co.uk or call 07450 318776.
