An Update on Tunbridge Wells & Rusthall Commons: Bid Position & Estate Remarketing
Photo: Kelly Wilcox • March for the Commons (21 March 2026)
Following the Friends’ charitable bid to acquire Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons earlier this year, we are now able to share a comprehensive update on the latest position regarding the freehold land.
As our community of supporters will know, the Friends submitted a formal charitable bid for the Commons in April 2026. This bid followed an extraordinary and heartfelt response from local residents, families, and civic groups, resulting in more than 3,000 individual financial pledges registered with the charity.
Unfortunately, our initial bid was not accepted by the vendor, Targetfollow. There remained a significant gap between the Friends’ valuation assessment—which strictly reflects the fact that registered common land carries zero residential development rights under the 1890 Tunbridge Wells Improvement Act—and the vendor’s commercial expectations.
Wider Estate Remarketing via BNP Paribas Real Estate
Targetfollow has subsequently announced that the Commons are being remarketed as part of a wider commercial portfolio that includes the Upper Pantiles, marketed through BNP Paribas Real Estate.
While this represents a significantly different commercial proposition from the individual lot originally offered, it may also create distinct, new opportunities for the Friends to secure the Commons separately. We have already initiated constructive exploratory discussions and will continue to engage directly with prospective purchasers where appropriate.
Over 3,000 Backers Stand Behind the Bid
With more than 3,000 people having pledged their support, the strength of feeling within our community remains absolutely unmistakable. Your pledge remains a vital demonstration of solidarity that significantly reinforces our negotiating position in all future discussions.
Campaign Guidance & Further Information
Detailed questions regarding our community bid, escrow management, and charitable protections are set out in full on our dedicated campaign page. You can read the full campaign guidance or update your pledge below:
We remain 100% committed to exploring every possible route towards charitable community ownership of the Commons, and will keep all supporters regularly informed as discussions evolve.