Introduction
Tonbridge is a small town with a population of approximately thirty two thousand. It is situated four miles north of Tunbridge Wells, in the South East of England. The town lies on the River Medway. The river splits into two channels as it passes through Tonbridge necessitating two major river bridges, which eventually leads to the Thames estuary. The A26 and A21 are the main transport links for Tonbridge - the A26 running through Tonbridge and onto Mereworth and Leybourne, and the A21 coming from Lamberhurst bypassing Tonbridge and carrying on toward Sevenoaks.
Tunbridge Wells is approximately 13 miles north east of Crowborough which is located in East Sussex. Tunbridge Wells is built up only 3 miles from the border into neighbouring county East Sussex. The A26 runs through Crowborough and Tunbridge Wells on its way to join the A21 at Castle Hill on the outskirts of Tonbridge. Tunbridge Wells is the starting point for the A264, which leads west into East Grinstead, and the finishing point of the A267 on which Burlow, Five Ashes and Frant are noticeable sites.
Aims
In order to answer the question “What are the differences in the size and shapes of the sphere of influence of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge?” I need to answer the following:
- What is the size and shape of the sphere of influence for Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge?
- How does the land use vary between Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge?
- How does pedestrian density vary in the two sites?
- What goods are available at each site (comparison and convenience goods)?
- I predict that the sphere of influence will be bigger for Tunbridge Wells rather than Tonbridge, as the town is far more residential and has better and more transport links. The variety of shops is also much better due to the shopping mall that is on Calverly Road – Royal Victoria Place.
- I expect that Royal Tunbridge Wells is a lot better for shopping as it has a wider range and choice due to Royal Victoria Place and the other shops specialist shops on Calverly Road. The lower part of Calverly Road became a pedestrian-only zone, which made the shoppers safer and there was not as much pollution from cars affecting the people while out shopping. The main specialist shops are on Calverly Road, which is just North West of the main high street, whereas the specialist shops in Tonbridge are based mainly on the high street. There are many department stores in Tunbridge Wells, for example BHS and Marks & Spencers, whereas Tonbridge only has two, Bentalls and B-Wise, which are both in the centre of town.
- Due to Tunbridge Wells having a much wider range of shops and goods, I expect there to be a higher pedestrian density than in Tonbridge. However, in Tonbridge there are many residential spots around the town centre, and there is a Public Park nearby which would contribute to the number of pedestrians present in the town.
- I think that Tonbridge is good for convenience goods as it is local to many houses and work places so the smaller stores such as newsagents and bakeries would be used more frequently than in Tunbridge Wells. Tonbridge does have luxury goods stores such as jewellery stores, and there are a few individual music shops which sell instruments such as guitars and pianos. Tunbridge Wells is the better place of the two to buy comparison goods as there is a wide range of shops you can choose from, including shops that sell items that are bought less frequently.
