Page 33 - KPRM 2019

Aerial image of Kings Hill new homes and public park 2019.
and house design, all constructed by award-winning housebuilders. This is complemented by a new school and village centre hall, shops and other facilities, all served by eco-friendly walk, bridleway and cycle networks.
At the former Aylesford Newsprint site demolition work has now been completed, with a fresh planning application for commercial uses scheduled to be submitted to the Borough Council during 2019.
The East Malling Research (EMR) campus began in 1913
as a horticultural research station. Important research on perennial crops has resulted in a world-wide reputation
for plant raising, fruit plant culture/breeding, fruit storage and the biology and control of pests and diseases. The East Malling Trust own and manage the estate that includes the
Grade I listed Bradbourne House and the science campus. In 2016, the EMR Research Station became NIAB EMR, part of the NIAB Group the largest UK institute specialising in fruit with particular emphasis on perennial and clonally- propagated crop production. Their global reputation
and the increasing focus on climate and agri-security creates opportunities to attract younger generations into horticultural research.
As a first phase of the new East Malling Advanced Technology Horticulture Zone, there are proposals to develop a series of advanced technology glasshouses and support buildings to facilitate efforts into the production and propagation of existing fruit research, accommodate new research and ultimately replace their existing glasshouse stock. Planning approval is being sought for circa 5,300m2
(57,049ft2) of glasshouses and 2,290m2 (24,650ft2) of supporting facilities. The initial building phase will begin immediately with subsequent phases as funding permits.
Town Centres
Tonbridge town centre continues to see considerable public and private investment. Following on from extensive public realm improvements along the High Street, River Walk, Tonbridge Town Lock and most recently around Tonbridge Station, work is soon to commence on the delivery of a
new cycle hub. Key town centre projects have also made substantial progress over the past 12 months, including a new medical centre currently under construction on River Lawn Road. Once built, this facility will provide a purpose- built centre that includes consulting rooms, minor surgery room, pharmacy and well-being clinic.
In March 2019, the council launched a Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme to support independent retailers and food outlets within the borough’s towns and district centres. Take up has so far been strong with 10 grants awarded for a variety of improvements with many more applications in the pipeline.
Infrastructure
Further improving the local infrastructure, the work of the West Kent Partnership and the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership have helped to secure Local Growth Fund investment towards a number of schemes, including:
• Increasing the capacity of the Leigh Flood Storage Area and Hildenborough Embankments Scheme – giving greater protection to existing homes and commercial premises as well as opportunities for sustainable growth.
• Improvements to Junction 4 of the M20
• Improvements to Snodland and Tonbridge Stations.
Work is now also underway on the M20 corridor, between Junctions 3 and 5. This 6.5 mile stretch is being upgraded to an All-Lane Running (ALR) smart motorway and is scheduled to be completed by March 2020.
For more information:
jeremy.whittaker@tmbc.gov.uk
Kent Property Market Report 2019 31
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