Six in running for Tunbridge Wells cinema contest

London-based Avanti Architects, Panter Hudspith, Stanton Williams and FAT are among a handful of architects invited to come up with new designs for the former ABC Cinema in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

The quartet will battle it out with local firm Hazle McCormack Young and Hythe's ctmarchitects, which was shortlisted earlier in the year for the new Turner Contemporary gallery inMargate.  

The practices have been asked to draw up 'concept' proposals for the abandoned site in the centre of Tunbridge Wells for the plot's new owner, Lordland Europe.

According to the brief, the firms will need to create 'an inspirational, high quality, mixed use development on 0.54ha site at the junction ofMount Pleasant RoadandChurch Road, in the Conservation Area of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

The competition jury panel is chaired by Robert Adam, who said: 'This is an important and exciting opportunity to add new architecture of quality to Royal Tunbridge Wells.

'This will stand out as an example of how new design can complement a place with a strong and established character'.

A winner is expected to be announced in early February 2008.