Sainsbury’s has pulled out of a £70m Tonbridge mixed-use redevelopment in Kent.
The retailer said it will not be bringing forward plans for a replacement Sainsbury’s store, cinema and shops.
It had consulted on the proposals last year.
Ross Castle, Sainsbury’s portfolio development manager, said: “We regularly review our schemes in terms of viability and in the context of changing shopping patterns, such as an increasing focus on smaller convenience stores and online shopping. Unfortunately, this scheme is no longer financially viable following such a review.”
Nicolas Heslop, leader of Tonbridge & Malling borough council, added: “I am extremely disappointed and angered by this news which has come as a surprise.”
The council will now explore other options for regenerating the town centre.
joanna.bourke@estatesgazette.com
