We’re working on a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve the Buckhurst Lane and Suffolk Way areas of Sevenoaks, including a new leisure centre, to make the town a more exciting place to live, work and spend time.
On 14 July 2026, Council agreed to appoint Wates as its preferred development partner for the project.
At the heart of the project will be a brand new, energy-efficient, modern leisure centre, to replace the current building, which is coming to the end of its life. The new centre will provide high quality facilities to safeguard and enhance the town’s leisure offer for decades to come.
A new cultural hub and market hall at 96 High Street also form part of the project along with improved public transport links, new public green spaces, a new green corridor to Knole Park, and new energy-efficient homes.
The overall value of the project is estimated to be around £138 million, and it is expected to be self-financing with income from the new homes paying for the leisure centre and the other public improvements.
The project would also give a huge economic boost by increasing footfall and spending in the town.
The next steps
The Council and Wates are expected to enter into a formal contract in autumn 2026.
Once this happens, Wates will produce early project designs for the public to have their say.
The designs will then be updated and refined before Wates submits a planning application from late 2027.
Subject to planning consent, construction could begin in 2028.
Public engagement
In 2024, we ran three information events and a survey to give the community the chance to comment on our early proposals.
The community were generally supportive but raised concerns about rebuilding the library, car parking, accessibility, size and facility mix of the new leisure centre, impact from construction activities and traffic. The project was updated considering the public feedback.