Known as ‘1887 The Pantiles’ it is currently scheduled for completion next year and is being constructed on the former 1960s ‘Brutalist’ Union House.
The residential complex, next to Tunbridge Wells’ beloved Georgian colonnade, is named after the date when The Pantiles revived its original name after being known as The Parade.
It is hoped the development, that includes 127 apartments and has been built by Dandara, will provide local traders with an expanded customer base right on the doorstep of the town’s famous promenade.
Among the dignitaries attending the launch party last week [Monday, January 20] was Cllr James Scholes, Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, and William Benson, the Chief Executive of the Council.
Mr Benson told the Times: “I’m thrilled about the development, because Prince Charles would probably have referred to Union House as a ‘monstrous carbuncle’, and I think it’s really nice to have high quality homes for people to live in, and to provide business for The Pantiles and other businesses in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
“It frames The Pantiles very nicely, I think certainly Union House didn’t do much for the town and for the economy, and I know from talking to some of The Pantiles traders that they’re absolutely thrilled at the prospect of having more people living in and enjoying the area.
“There will be a public area called The Pump Room [named after the original 19th-century building on the site] and also restaurants and a public realm, including a water feature, which will put the ‘water back in the Wells’,” added Mr Benson.
The collection of new one, two and three-bedroom apartments, and two-bedroom mews homes, have a starting price of around £300,000, and Dandara say many of the people buying the 1887 properties are ‘local downsizers’.
Speaking after the event, Louise Norman from the developer, said: “1887 The Pantiles is simply stunning, and we were extremely grateful that so many guests attended our celebration, especially the Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor James Scholes and Mrs Jane Scholes.
“This is such an exciting era for Dandara in Kent, as 1887 is one of five beautiful developments we have in the Garden of England.”
