New milestone for Sevenoaks Leisure Centre and town centre regeneration

Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet has appointed Wates as its preferred contractor to take forward ambitious plans to regenerate the land east of Sevenoaks High Street including a new leisure centre.

Working with Wates, the Council wants to enhance the Buckhurst Lane and Suffolk Way areas, helping to make the town a more vibrant and welcoming place to live, work and spend time.

At the heart of the project will be a brand-new, energy-efficient, replacement leisure centre providing high-quality facilities to safeguard and enhance the town’s leisure offer for decades to come.

The project also includes a new cultural hub and market hall at 96 High Street, improved public transport links, new green spaces, including a new green corridor to Knole Park, as well as new energy-efficient homes.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Improvement & Innovation, Councillor Michael Horwood, said: “We’re 100% committed to delivering a brand-new leisure centre for Sevenoaks, as we understand how vital sports and leisure are for the mental and physical health of our residents. As there is no Government funding that could achieve a rebuild, we need a scheme that will help deliver this very ambitious project.”

“Wates has an impressive track record of delivering major, high-quality construction projects and working closely with local communities to shape places that people can truly be proud of.”

“We want residents and businesses at the heart of shaping these proposals and, over the coming months, Wates will be bringing forward plans alongside a series of engagement events, giving the community a real opportunity to influence the future of the scheme before planning permission is sought.”

Subject to planning consent, construction could begin in 2028.