The Amelia Scott Centre was formally opened today at a ceremony hosted by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Kent County Council.
The £21m new culture centre brings together two buildings, the Grade listed former adult education centre and library to form a new cultural and learning hub. The Centre now offers a new library, museum, archive space, register office, tourist information centre and education centre. The existing buildings have been restored and refurbished while a new barrel-vaulted atrium connects the two to deliver four storeys of space.
The project received grants from both the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Arts Council.
b&m have acted as Quantity Surveyors and Principal Designer throughout the project and worked closely with all stakeholders to deliver a scheme the community can be proud of. The Centre can now display a vast amount more of its historic collection as well as hosting shows and performances.
Example displays inside the main rooms include fashion and personal identity in the Georgian Spa Room, local crafts and traditions in the Workroom and the history of Tunbridge Wells in the Story of the Wells space.
Paul Gannaway, Director at b&m, said “It has been a pleasure to work on such a pivotal community project for Tunbridge Wells. The community can be proud of what has been achieved, with the restoration of heritage assets and the delivery of new public spaces, it grants a new lease of life to Monson Road.”
The hub is named after the famous suffragette, Amelia Scott, who was one of the leading campaigners for votes for women. Amelia resided in Tunbridge Wells and was one of the first two women elected as councillors for the area. The Centre was officially opened today by the suffragist’s great niece, Helen Boyce.
The Amelia is now open to the public, seven days a week. You can find out more about the project and what is on offer on their dedicated website.
