Senior representatives from University of Kent, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust and Medway Council came together in February to celebrate the start of construction for Docking Station.
Thanks to funding from the UK Government, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, and The Colyer Fergusson Charitable Trust, the project will transform the Police Section House, a Grade II listed Scheduled Ancient Monument at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, into a cutting-edge creative production facility.
The site will include a café, exhibition and workshop spaces, co-working and incubator spaces for University of Kent graduates and small creative businesses, as well as workspaces for staff, a teaching lab, and a post-production/editing studio. The new studio building will feature a large soundstage, and multiple smaller spaces equipped for high tech creative technology and filmmaking practices.
These facilities will make cutting edge technologies available to Film, Advertising and Gaming sector as well as a host of other industries utilising these creative digital technologies screen industries enterprises and creatives in Medway, the South-East region and beyond thanks to its great location making it easily accessible from London.
David Sefton, Director of the Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries at University of Kent, says: ‘Docking Station will be a unique hub, equipped with industry-standard production technologies, including virtual production and motion capture. This dynamic facility will enable local businesses, students, and the broader community to develop new skills in immersive technologies. It will also strengthen the thriving digital creative industries in Medway and the wider region as well as cementing the University of Kent’s commitment to Medway. For Medway businesses, residents and students this will mean opportunities for education and training in these exciting new technologies, and the creation of new jobs in the area.’
Looking to the future of the regions, children from the Busy Bees nursery, adjacent to the Docking Station site, also attended the event. Toni Morley, Centre Director for Busy Bees said: ‘Being right next door, we’ve watched this incredible transformation unfold, and it’s been amazing to invest our time and energy into something so special. We can’t wait to see the finished space and be a part of its legacy. Most importantly, involving our children and families in this journey makes it even more meaningful—teaching them the value of heritage, progress, and community.’
Make your mark on Docking Station
You too can leave a lasting legacy on Docking Station through our unique Naming Campaign.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Name a Brick: your name or dedication will feature on a beautiful section of historic wall in the heritage building.
- Step Up for Medway: Name one of the beautiful staircase steps that will inspire countless young people to take their own steps into the future.
- Window to the Future: Your name will adorn a refurbished window, opening a brighter future for the Medway community.
Take a look at our Docking Station pages to find out more.