Food and drink outlet is top suggestion from public
Tonbridge Castle could become home to a new café following a public consultation.
The creation of a venue for snacks and refreshments was the top response among more than 1,000 people who gave their views via an online questionnaire and in-person interviews.
The consultation was the first stage of a process to identify ways to boost visitor numbers to the council-owned attraction which has running costs of £600,000 a year. The castle is also facing a loss of more than £140,000 a year from 2024 when Kent County Council withdraws its Gateway service, which is currently based in offices adjoining the castle attraction.
When asked what types of new facilities they would like to see at the castle, a café was the first choice for almost 60 per cent of respondents. Other suggestions included a bar, ice rink, museum and restaurant. When asked about events at the castle, 245 people said they would like more music performances and gigs. Other popular choices were food and drink festivals, markets and community events.
Cabinet members this week gave the go-ahead for ideas identified in the consultation to be explored in more detail. There will be further public involvement via focus groups which will be used to test out ideas and help develop new attractions.
Cllr Des Keers, TMBC’s cabinet member for community services, said: ‘I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation. It’s important that we understand the views of castle visitors and the wider community before any decisions are made. This is an exciting time of change for the castle and I look forward to seeing the plans develop.’
See the full findings in our Consultation feedback report.