Exciting progress in Tonbridge
Planning has now been submitted for the redevelopment of the Former River Centre Car Park at Medway Wharf Road, marking a key milestone in delivering a high-quality residential scheme close to the heart of Tonbridge.
This brownfield riverside site presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the ongoing regeneration of the Town Lock area, creating new homes in a highly sustainable and well-connected location.
A new riverside neighbourhood
The proposal delivers a 7–9 storey residential development comprising 118 homes, carefully arranged within a cohesive yet articulated building form.
At its core, the scheme is designed to create a vibrant, residential-led community, supported by:
- Rooftop communal amenity space
- Enhanced hard landscaping restoring pedestrian access
- Integrated car and cycle parking
- Positive frontage addressing Medway Wharf Road
Together, these elements establish a distinctive new riverside address that enhances the character and integration of the site.
Responding to housing need
The development focuses on delivering high-quality 1–2 bedroom apartments, responding directly to identified local demand in Tonbridge.
Each home benefits from:
- Private outdoor space
- Generous internal layouts
- Abundant daylight and residential quality
- Accessible and adaptable design
By prioritising smaller, flexible homes, the scheme supports young professionals, downsizers, and growing households within a well-connected town centre location.
A contextual architectural response
The architectural approach is rooted in the historic industrial and canal-side character of Medway Wharf.
Key design drivers include:
- A mass broken down into distinct elements, referencing the aggregation of historic warehouse buildings
- Articulated rooflines and gable forms reflecting the surrounding townscape rhythm
- A robust brick material palette inspired by the area’s industrial heritage
This approach allows the scheme to balance a contemporary identity with a sensitive response to its context, reinforcing the emerging character of this riverside location.
Respecting heritage and townscape
While outside the conservation area, the site sits within an important heritage setting, including views from Tonbridge Castle and proximity to historic townscape.
The design responds through:
- Carefully considered scale, height, and massing
- Stepped building form to reduce visual impact
- Elevation rhythm that reflects surrounding buildings
- A layout that preserves key views and visual permeability
The result is a scheme that integrates confidently into its setting while enhancing the wider townscape.
Regeneration and connectivity
Located within the Central Tonbridge Opportunity Area, the proposal plays a key role in the residential-led regeneration of Medway Wharf.
The scheme will:
- Improve frontage and activation along Medway Wharf Road
- Reintroduce and strengthen north–south pedestrian connections
- Link the riverside towpath with the wider urban fabric
- Enhance the public realm around Town Lock
These improvements will make the site more accessible, legible and integrated with the surrounding community.
Looking ahead
With planning now submitted, this project represents an exciting step forward in shaping the future of Tonbridge’s riverside.
By transforming an underutilised brownfield site into a well-designed residential community, the scheme aims to deliver lasting value – supporting housing delivery, enhancing local character, and contributing to the ongoing evolution of Medway Wharf.
Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with this exciting project!
