Published: Tuesday, 30th November 2021
Sevenoaks District Council is set to unveil exciting plans to regenerate the former Swanley Working Men’s Club site and neighbouring land and is asking residents for their opinions.
The Swanley High Street site had a number of uses over many years. During the Victorian period, it consisted of high-density housing. In later years, it was home to the town’s Working Men’s Club and a small Council car park.
After the Club closed, the Council purchased the site as part of its plans to regenerate the southern entrance to Swanley. It is now proposing to provide new homes, retail space and a new, green space.
Protecting the environment is at the heart of the proposals with energy efficient homes, electric vehicle charging points and cycle parking. The proposals also include new trees and other green planting.
The new building, consisting of 92 new homes plus retail space on the ground floor, would follow the curve of the site to provide the biggest possible green communal area. To celebrate the town’s heritage as a supplier of fruit and flowers to local and London markets, it is proposed that the development would include an ‘edible’ garden where fruit trees and edible plants would be grown for the public to enjoy.
Residents can find out more at two drop in sessions (no appointment necessary) at the Alexandra Suite, St Mary's Road, Swanley BR8 7BU on:
- Thursday 9 December, 4pm to 8pm
- Saturday 11 December, 10am to 3pm
Residents can also join a webinar on Monday 13 December from 6.30pm to 7.30pm online at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/bevanplace.
Cllr Peter Fleming, Leader of the Council, says: “We purchased the former Working Men’s Club because we understood what an important site it would be in the regeneration of the town and particularly as a gateway to Swanley.
“It has taken us some time to get to a stage where we had plans that are ready to share with residents and get their views.
“This is our latest significant investment in Swanley following on from the new leisure centre, train station and work hub and apartments on the former ‘Meeting Point’ site opposite. It shows our ambitions for Swanley, to build on the great things it already offers and improve the town for everyone.
“We are really excited about our emerging plans for the Bevan Place site and cannot wait to share them with local people and hear what they have to say.”
The Council is proposing to lodge a planning application for the development in summer 2022 and, if permission is granted, work could begin in 2023.
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