Tonbridge Castle could be turned into a cafe or bistro bar.

That was the most popular suggestion put forward by members of the public when asked what Tonbridge and Malling council should do with the venue, which dates from the 13th century.

The castle is already used for a number of purposes – it provides offices for the borough's outdoor leisure services staff, houses the Tourist Information Centre and Citizens' Advice. It is home to the charity Protection Against Stalking and to the town's Historical Society, as well as offering castle tours and hosting the castle shop.

But by far the most income – 54% of the total – comes from KCC, which uses it as a Gateway office, offering easy local access to council services.

KCC has warned that it will withdraw from the Gateway contract in July 2024, and the borough council will have to find ways of making up the lost income – in the region of £142,000 a year.

More than 1,100 responses were obtained during a public consultation, and 375 people cared enough to offer to play a part as a focus group to test ideas as they develop.

The castle is clearly highly valued by Tonbridge residents who live nearby with 67% saying they visit it on foot, and 49% saying they lived within a mile of the medieval building.

Other suggestions for its use included as a museum, and as a conference and banqueting centre, and for art classes, training rooms and weddings.

The council's cabinet members will consider which directions to pursue at a meeting next Tuesday.