Plans lodged to regenerate former cinema site

Plans to regenerate a prominent Tunbridge Wells site which has been derelict for more than 15 years with a major mixed-use scheme including new restaurants, shops, homes and a boutique cinema have been lodged with the local council.Altitude Real Estate is seeking planning permission to redevelop the former ABC Cinema site on Mount Pleasant Road, which is prominently positioned between the town’s two retail pitches with The Pantiles to the south and Royal Victoria Square Shopping Centre to the north.The 1.6-acre development site has been derelict since the closure of the ABC Cinema in 2001, with the former buildings being demolished in 2014. It was purchased by Prime Finance (Tunbridge Wells) Ltd, represented by Altitude Real Estate Limited, in April 2016.The owner is now hoping to secure the go-ahead for a new mixed-use development called ‘The Belvedere’, which it hopes will act as a catalyst for further regeneration in the area.The proposals consist of almost 33,000 sq ft of retail space, more than 20,000 sq ft for new restaurants and eateries, up to 108 new homes and an 11,000 sq ft boutique cinema. Once operational, the scheme is expected to create more than 300 new jobs.Altitude had also planned to include a new medical centre in its application but no agreement has been reached between the company and the NHS “despite regular discussions”. As a result, the scheme will either include a 12,000 sq ft medical centre or nine additional homes and 4,000 sq ft of office premises.In a planning statement submitted to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Altitude said its aspiration for the scheme is to create an “attractive and contextually appropriate new development” on a prominent site.Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is set to make a decision by 11 October 2017.