Plans for a multi-million pound community hub for Southborough have moved forward, according to councillors.

The town council has voted to enter into legally-binding agreements with Kent County Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to go ahead with the development which aims to provide a range of new facilities.

Southborough councillors discussed possible options at a meeting on Thursday, September 25.

They agreed that design work should progress towards a viable option on the site

The new design could include a theatre, community space, a new library, new council offices, a sports pavillion and a pedestrian and cycle route between London Road and The Ridgeway.

Although the three councils are contributing the land for the development, the proposed community facilities will require capital funding through a new residential development to the rear of the site.

It is thought that construction work would begin towards the end of next year, with completion in late 2016.

The site includes the Royal Victoria Hall, which is due to close after this year's pantomime following a council decision.

Council chairman, Peter Oakford said the hub development timetable aims to ensure that the panto would only be missed for one year - 2015. He added: “That is the same as if we undertook a complete renovation of the existing theatre."

During the town council debate, comments included: “This is about the future of Southborough and the generations that come after us”; “We do not want to leave a millstone round the necks of our grandchildren”; and “We have got to commit to this once and for all. I want to see Southborough thrive again.”

“We cannot preserve an old building for the sake of it. We have to move on for the benefit of the whole town" - Peter Oakford...

After the meeting, chairman Peter Oakford said he was thrilled and relieved that this important step had been taken after many years of frustration - particularly over the future of the Royal Victoria Hall.

He said councillors acknowledged the feeling among some members of the public who wanted to preserve the RVH, but he said the new facilities would satisfy everyone with an interest in theatre or musical activities and ensure a much wider segment of the community could benefit from the new facilities.

He added: “We cannot preserve an old building for the sake of it. We have to move on for the benefit of the whole town.

“This is a golden opportunity which we cannot refuse. When the project is complete I believe the residents of Southborough will agree that they have an outstanding new multi-use facility that will enhance the town and benefit the entire community.”

A detailed appraisal of the options will now take place. The ownership of the land must be tied up and residents will be consulted on the specific details of hub proposals, the council said.

Mr Oakford added: "“We want Southborough residents to feel they have ownership of the hub and to get involved in helping us to make sure we provide what they want."