Targetfollow will continue to own The Pantiles, which is not part of this sales process and remains a vibrant example of how thoughtful stewardship and investment can help historic places thrive as destinations for culture, commerce, and community. As the Commons are listed as an Asset of Community Value under the Localism Act and included in the Register of Assets of Community Value maintained by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council under section 91 of the Act, Targetfollow duly notified the Council of its intention to sell on 26 September 2025. This triggered a six-week moratorium for interested parties to register to bid and a six-month moratorium for the Right to Bid, which expires on 26 March 2026.
The Commons have always been in private ownership and were last sold in 2008, making this a generational opportunity to acquire. Targetfollow has appointed Kroll (www.kroll.com), international investment banking consultants, to advise on the sale, leveraging their expertise and network of international and national clients across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
We understand the concerns raised by local parties and welcome bids from those parties individually or collectively, alongside offers expected from local, national, and international investors during the moratorium period following a targeted marketing campaign. We are encouraged by the expressions of interest already received from local stakeholders, alongside interest from national and international investors during the moratorium period. Our objective is to identify a purchaser who will act as a responsible long-term steward of this historic landscape – regardless of geographical base – and who will respect the Commons’ protections and community value. The land is being marketed as Commons, and its protected designation under legislation will remain unchanged during the sale process.
The Commons are a cherished part of Tunbridge Wells. Our role now is to run a fair, transparent process that identifies a buyer committed to long-term, responsible stewardship – whoever and wherever they are – while we continue to invest in places like The Pantiles, which show what sustained, thoughtful management can achieve.
Corin Thoday, CEO
FAQ’s
Why is Targetfollow selling?
To focus on its core strategy: acquiring town and city centre assets requiring active management and offering regeneration and placemaking opportunities.
Will public access/change of use be affected?
No. The land is being marketed as Commons and its protected designations remain unchanged during the sale process.
What protections apply?
The Commons are listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) under the Localism Act, triggering the moratorium process and community bid rights. Other statutory protections remain in place, and any owner must comply with applicable legislation and by-laws.
How is the sale being conducted?
Targetfollow has appointed Kroll as adviser to run a structured process, inviting interest from local, national, and international parties.
Does the buyer’s nationality matter?
No. The priority is responsible stewardship and compliance with the Commons’ protections; nationality/geography is not determinative.