The Beckett, Royal Tunbridge Wells

: Royal Tunbridge Wells

The Beckett, developed for Elysian Residencies, provides 89 extra care apartments on the site of a former bus depot in Royal Tunbridge Wells. The scheme embraces the retirement living ethos that life should be fulfilling, engaging and uplifting, enabling residents to live life on their own terms, in their own home.

The design reinstates the domestic character of Royal Tunbridge Wells, responding sensitively to the varying scales of St John’s Road, Woodbury Park Road and surrounding residential streets. It comprises of three new buildings ranging from three to five storeys, arranged around a landscaped courtyard garden. External finishes reflect the local context with the façade employing brick and painted render for a clean, elegant aesthetic. All apartments include full-height windows and private balconies, strengthening the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Generous circulation areas are designed to encourage social interaction amongst residents. Replacing a bus depot that occupied the site since the 1930s, the scheme addresses previous issues of noise and air pollution that affected neighbouring homes. It restores the historic frontage along St John’s Road and complements the street along Woodbury Park Road, improving the overall character of the area. The site, once dominated by hard surfaces and devoid of trees, has been transformed through extensive landscaping. New planting enhances the arrival space and integrates with surrounding front gardens. Native trees along the southern and eastern boundaries provide screening, increase biodiversity, and reintroduce green corridors. Overall, the landscape design supports wellbeing, sustainability, and a strong sense of community.