Following the news in August that both the Pantiles and the Common are being put up for sale; Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has looked into the possibility of purchasing one or both of the lots.
A report prepared for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council recommends the council should pursue the purchase of the common, but should not consider purchase of the historic Pantiles.

The report, prepared by Robert Cottrill argues that despite the central part that the Pantiles plays in the history and attraction of Tunbridge Wells, both the asking price of £10 million and the expertise needed to run a commercial property business means that the council should not consider the purchase.

The report notes that because of the fact that the properties for sale are listed, the council is able to assert a great deal of control over any future development bids.

The situation with the common is very different, the asking price of £850,000 and the fact that the common already receives large sums of money from the council each year towards maintenance means that purchasing the common should be considered.

The report is set to be discussed at the Tunbridge wells Borough Council cabinet meeting on the 25th of October

You can read the report in full HERE