Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground
Parking
Car parks near Tonbridge Racecourse sportsground are pay and display. There is no direct access to this sportsground by car.
Booking
- To hire football pitches on the racecourse ground contact the Angel Centre
- To hire mini golf equipment or tennis courts go to the food and drink kiosk during the summer months
- To hold an event at this sportsground and for any general enquiries contact Leisure Services, details below
Opening and closing times
Open every day of the year.
Bridge removal
We are taking action to close and remove the racecourse bridge following detailed structural inspections that have identified deterioration.
We understand that the bridge is used by people accessing the Racecourse Sportsground and surrounding areas, and that its removal may raise questions for local residents and visitors. This page sets out clear and factual answers about where the bridge is located, why it needs to be removed, how safety is being managed, what the impact will be for users, and what happens next.
- Where is this bridge?
This bridge is in Tonbridge and accesses the Racecourse Sportsground from the slipway by Lower Castlefields Car Park. Installed in 1994 as a temporary bridge to allow the construction of the swimming pool and keep access over the river to the sports ground.
- Why does the bridge need to be closed and removed?
We have been monitoring this bridge over the past two years. The bridge has been assessed as coming to the end of its life and removing it does eliminate any risk of failure and ensures public safety. This is part of a managed process rather than waiting for it to become dangerous.
- How was the bridge assessed as being structurally unsafe?
The bridge has been regularly inspected by officers and underwent routine and detailed independent structural inspections, including visual surveys, which identified on-going deterioration and structural weaknesses. Inspections were carried out by our independent, qualified and experienced structural engineer.
- What specific issues or defects were found in the bridge?
Defects include material deterioration in the main structure, loss of structural capacity, and movement in the abutments (supportive structures) that compromises the long-term integrity of the bridge. These issues cannot be safely or economically repaired in-situ.
- Is the bridge currently at risk of sudden failure?
No the risk of immediate collapse is low, it is vital that we seek to remove the bridge whilst its structural integrity allows us to move the bridge.
- Can it be repaired?
Due to the progressive failure of the supportive structures, it is not possible to repair or refurbish the bridge.
- Is the bridge safe for use?
No. As part of the managed inspections and monitoring, due to the identified risks, the on-going use of the bridge is not considered safe for public use and has been closed. Leaving the bridge in place creates an ongoing risk to public safety. It is vital that the bridge is removed as efficiently as possible to remove any risk to the public including users of the river.
- What safety measures are in place until the bridge is removed?
The bridge will have hoarding put in place to prevent access by the public.
- How will bridge removal affect local traffic and travel routes?
There is another bridge approximately 80m from this bridge which will allow users to access the sportsground. The total diversion is approximately 160m.
- What impact will this have on emergency services access?
There is no perceived impact on emergency services access as the vehicular access remains from Bradford Street.
- When will the bridge be closed permanently?
The bridge will be closed from 30 April 2026.
- When will removal work start and how long will it take?
We anticipate the bridge will be removed May/June this year. The removal process should take a week or so depending on the successful appointment of a contractor. We anticipate that the far end of Lower Castlefields car park will be closed to facilitate the removal of the bridge. We expect that this will be done with the use of a crane with the bridge then being removed from site for disposal.
- Will the work involve road closures or night-time construction?
It is likely that construction traffic may have to enter the Castlefields Car Park using Bank Street due to its size. Any impact on local access will be carefully managed to minimise any disruption. We do not anticipate night working for this project.
- What are the next steps following the removal of the bridge be replaced?
Once the bridge is safely removed, we will be able to investigate the bridge supports to see what work is required to repair or replace them. It is vital that we can establish a budgetary estimate for any future work.
- What is the decision-making process?
Once we have a budgetary estimate, Members will need to consider whether a replacement bridge should be pursued or whether the other bridge near the swimming pool is sufficient to provide access to the Racecourse Sportsground.
- How will the public be kept informed as the project progresses?
We will share updates though our website and site notices.
