A popular shopping centre which was opened by Princess Diana is being bought by the council.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) has made the decision to purchase the Royal Victoria Place complex in the town centre.

It was first opened by the Princess of Wales back in October 1992 and took three years to build.

The local authority announced on Friday it would be buying the shopping centre outright.

A spokesman said: “Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has agreed to acquire the Long Leasehold ownership of Royal Victoria Place from British Land.

“The council has owned the freehold of the centre since it was built and believes it is uniquely placed to secure its future and its contribution to the town centre.

“The council is committed to ensuring that Royal Victoria Place continues to play a strong role in maintaining the attractiveness of the town for residents, employers and visitors alike.

“We have had a number of exciting conversations with prospective tenants – retailers, leisure operators, food and beverage providers and community groups and, working with experts in the field we are confident that we can increase both footfall and occupancy within the centre.”

The centre is home to stores including Fenwick, M&S, Next, HMV, Oliver Bonas, Hobbs, Hotel Chocolat, Lush, Superdry and French Connection.

In the past year, they have been joined by a range of new independent businesses, including The Green Duck Emporium, and hairdressers Belgravia, and has seen Gymboree Play and Music, which provides a programme of baby and toddler classes, upsize to a bigger space due to its popularity with families.

Most recently, the shopping centre welcomed new stores such as Savers and Mooch.

Newcomers Thirsty Fish and Retro Stuff were also added to the dozens of shops at the centre.