A Kent-based architectural firm has won a competition to design a new £2.5 million community centre.

Sevenoaks Town Council teamed up with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to find an architect to design the new facility - which would include a new council complex.

Last month five finalists were shortlisted but Tunbridge Wells firm, Theis and Khan, has now been announced as the winner.

Its scheme put a Kentish garden at its heart and the buildings wrapped around the central space to create a community feel.

The movement of people around the building was an important factor for councillors and the Theis and Khan design located the conference and community room at ground floor level, which the panel felt would work extremely well for functions.

The council hopes the construction will be the corner stone of regeneration of the Bat and Ball area.

Commenting on the winning design RIBA Adviser, Sarah Williams, said: “We had five very different schemes and some very intriguing and rich proposals from the teams.

"Theis and Khan's winning scheme responded beautifully to the brief whilst fulfilling the aspirations and vision for Bat and Ball.”

Sevenoaks councillor, Roderick Hogarth, commented: “All five finalists came up with wide ranging and imaginative visions for the site and the judging panel had a difficult decision to make. We look forward to working with the winning team."

Theis and Khan will now work with Sevenoaks Town Council in developing the centre in Cramptons Road, which is hoped will open in 2017.