Garages To Rear Of Gibson Building (Tonbridge And Malling Borough Council Offices, Former Officers Mess)

The garages located at the rear of the Gibson Building, which serves as the Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council Offices and was formerly the Officer's Mess, were built in 1940. They consist of a row of 22 garages with brick walls and a gabled plain tile roof. Each garage features part-glazed pairs of timber plank doors that are separated by brick piers along the internal divisions. This building is designed in a simple yet dignified neo-Georgian style. It is positioned directly across from the rear of the officers' mess, with the doors opening into a paved circulation space between the two structures. The construction of these garages reflects the growing number of cars owned by officers at the time and aims to create a cohesive group of buildings for this historically significant military base. West Malling became a favored location during the war due to its rural setting and closeness to London and its amenities.