On Wednesday 24 June, dignitaries and key partners in the Docking Station project, joined the ceremonial topping-out ceremony for the new creative production studio due to open in in Chatham in early 2027.
Docking Station is breathing new life into the Grade II listed Police Section House, one of The Historic Dockyard Chatham’s Scheduled Ancient Monuments, transforming it into a hi-tech production facility and new co-working space for Medway.
The Topping Out ceremony marked the completion of the building’s structural frame at its highest point. Following a tradition with roots in ancient Scandinavian customs, Chris Tompsett of Baxall Construction conducted the Topping Out ceremony, placing a yew branch on the structure as a symbol of good luck, protection and the successful completion of this key construction milestone.
Docking Station as a project is already up and running in existing spaces on the Dockyard offering students and local artists access to state-of-the-art digital resources, including virtual production and motion capture. Local artist Hannah Whittaker has been working with the project team and the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust Research Volunteers over the past year as Artist-in-Residence, and her installation Light On The Watch (2025) was on display as part of the event.
Hannah said:
“I’m really stoked that the Docking Station will be here supporting local artists and providing access to immersive technologies. The building isn’t even finished and yet they have already connected with and supported so much in the area, so when it does open its doors I cannot wait to see what happens!”
This is a moment of celebration for the University of Kent, who, in collaboration with Medway Council and the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, is spearheading the development of Docking Station through its Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries (iCCi).
Will Draffin, Director of Digital and Future Technologies for iCCi said:
“This is an important moment in the development of Docking Station. We remain on track for opening early in 2027, ready to drive innovation, skills development and creative opportunities for Medway and Kent, as well as breathe new life into this incredible heritage building.”
Admiral Sir Trevor Soar, Chair of the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust said:
“Docking Station represents an excellent example of the future we are working towards for The Historic Dockyard Chatham and a key component of our wider ambitions for the Northern Dockyard Estate. The former Police Section House is an important part of the Dockyard’s story and its transformation into a centre for digital creativity ensures this remarkable building will continue to serve a purpose for generations to come. Docking Station is a strong example of our preservation through reuse strategy which helps bring underused areas of the former working dockyard back into meaningful use for public benefit. As a catalyst for wider regeneration, it will support the growth of the creative and cultural industries and reinforce the Dockyard’s role as a place for cultural placemaking.”
Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council, said:
“This project is a fantastic example of the One Medway approach and we are incredibly proud to play our part to support it. The Docking Station will bring fantastic opportunities to Medway’s young people and residents, and give a further boost to Medway’s ever-growing creative and digital industries.”
Scheduled to open in early 2027, the facility will offer world-class resources, including:
- Virtual production and motion capture studios
- Specialist teaching labs
- Flexible exhibition spaces
- Co-working and office space
- Creative Industries business support and incubation
The project is set to unlock new opportunities for local communities, young people, and creative businesses across Kent, Medway, and the South-East, while supporting the creative industries, one of the UK’s fastest growing sectors.