A LARGE part of The Pantiles in Tunbridge is to be sold in the open market for the first time having been in private ownership for many years.

Last year was the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the Chalybeate Spring in 1606, which led to the popularity of Royal Tunbridge Wells as a spa resort in Georgian England, and the start of the property’s rich history.

The Pantiles, with its famous upper and lower Walks and colonnaded structure, came what is perhaps the first shopping centre in England and is now home to an interesting variety of specialist shops, antique bazaars and open air cafes, still popular with both local shoppers and tourists alike.

The estate to be offered for sale includes two large areas of common land, which lend a special character to the town, and also the title of the Lord of the Manor of Rusthall, which should attract a number of private and commercial investors as a result of its rarity value.

The sale will be coordinated on behalf of the Trustees by CB Richard Ellis and any interested parties should, in the first instance, contact either Greg Nicholson or John Symes-Thompson on 020 7182 2000