About the Community Centre

The Story of Paddock Wood Community Centre

Planning, Passion, and Progress

The journey to create the Paddock Wood Community Centre spans decades of local history and years of dedicated planning. It is a story of a community coming together to build a legacy for future generations.

Background and Community Need

For over fifty years, Paddock Wood felt the absence of a large, modern gathering space. Since the demolition of the old Parochial Church Hall in the 1960s, the town’s residents had been without a central venue capable of hosting large-scale community events. As the town expanded with new housing developments, the need for a dedicated hub became undeniable. Paddock Wood Town Council, supported by project managers from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, spent years working tirelessly to turn the dream of a new centre into a reality. 

Planning and Development Challenges

Securing the future of the centre was not without its hurdles. The proposal to build on a portion of the Memorial Field sparked significant local debate, leading to a four-year period of discussions, petitions, and even a local non-binding referendum. A local campaign group, the Friends of Memorial Field, sought to designate the field as a Village Green to prevent development, but the application was ultimately rejected by Kent County Council.

From a planning perspective, the project required careful negotiation. Because the site involved the loss of a small portion of a playing field, DHA Planning had to present a robust case to Sport England and the Secretary of State. They successfully argued that the benefits of the high-quality community facility outweighed the minor loss of land, ensuring the project could proceed without being ‘called in’ by the government.

Construction and Innovation

The £3.68 million project was awarded to Baxall Construction, a local firm known for its commitment to ‘Modern Methods of Construction’ (MMC). To meet strict budgetary constraints while delivering a high-specification building, Miller Bourne Architects refined the design using a ‘fabric-first’ approach.

The building was constructed using an off-site timber frame panelised system, which significantly reduced on-site construction time and waste. This method also provided exceptional thermal performance, ensuring the building is energy-efficient from its core. Sustainability was a priority throughout the build, with the installation of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) and an array of solar PV panels on the south-facing roof. These features allow the building to generate some of its own power, reducing its carbon footprint and operational costs.

Paddock Wood Community Centre

The Opening Ceremony

On 3rd September 2023, the Community Centre was officially opened by Greg Clark, the Member of Parliament for Tunbridge Wells. The ceremony was a celebration of local collaboration, attended by the architects, contractors, town councillors, and hundreds of residents. Stalls promoting local clubs and classes filled the main hall, marking the start of a new era for Paddock Wood.

Total Project Cost

£3.68 Million, funded in part by developer contributions from local housing.

Sustainability Rating

Net Zero Champions used 100% sustainable timber and diverted all waste from landfill.

Architectural Vision

Designed by Miller Bourne to maximise views of the field and natural light.

A Place of LOVE and Good Energy!

Don't take our word for it...
here are some kind words from our visitors and local community...