An update on Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons
Following the Friends’ bid to acquire Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons earlier this year, we are now able to share an update on the latest position.
Our bid was not accepted, and the Commons have subsequently been remarketed as part of a wider estate that includes the Upper Pantiles. While this represents a different proposition from the one we originally considered, it may also create further opportunities for the Friends to pursue community ownership of the Commons.
With more than 3,000 people having pledged their support, the strength of feeling within our community remains clear. We are continuing to explore what opportunities may now be available and will keep supporters updated as discussions progress.
Below, our Chair, Roger, shares the full update.
Dear Supporters,
I’m writing to update you on the latest position regarding our campaign to bring Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons into community ownership.
As you know, the Friends submitted a bid for the Commons in April, following the wonderful and enthusiastic response from the community and the many pledges of financial support we received. Unfortunately, our bid was not accepted. There remained a significant gap between the Friends’ assessment of value and the vendor’s expectations.
Targetfollow has now announced that the Commons are being remarketed as part of a wider estate that includes the Upper Pantiles. While this is a significantly different commercial proposition, it may also create further opportunities to secure the Commons separately. We have already begun constructive discussions and will continue to engage with prospective purchasers where appropriate.
Although there are no guarantees, we remain committed to exploring every possible route towards community ownership of the Commons. We will keep you updated as these discussions progress.
The response from the community earlier this year was extraordinary. More than 3,000 people pledged their support, demonstrating just how much these special places mean to local people. Your pledge remains an important demonstration of that community support and strengthens our position in future discussions.
There are no immediate plans to call on community pledges. However, if your circumstances have changed since making your pledge, we would be grateful if you could let us know, as this may affect our negotiating position.
Thank you once again for your continuing support. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has stood behind the campaign so far, and we will continue to do everything we can to secure the Commons for the community.
Roger
Chair, Friends of the Commons
Further information
The new BNP Paribas sales brochure for the wider estate is available to view here.
Image © Kelly Wilcox
Council confirms protections for The Pantiles and Commons
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has issued a statement following the announcement that Targetfollow intends to sell its Tunbridge Wells estate, including The Pantiles and the Commons.
The Council has reaffirmed its support for the Friends of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons and our aspiration to bring the Commons into community ownership. It has also highlighted the strong legal, planning and public access protections that apply to the Commons, including their protection under Acts of Parliament and their status within the adopted Local Plan.
The Council has confirmed that it will look carefully at the sale of The Pantiles and work constructively with any future owner of these important heritage and community assets.