Sheerness Dockyard Church has been transformed in a £9.5m project by the Sheerness Dockyard Preservation Trust. The project lead by Hugh Broughton Architects, in collaboration with conservation specialists Martin Ashley Architects, received funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and numerous other supporters.

For the first time since the church was gutted by fire in 2001, visitors can explore the Grade II* listed building and learn about it’s history as part of the former Royal Dockyard. Looking to the future the building will house an exhibition area, café, events space and a business incubator hub for local young people to help establish financial independence through entrepreneurship.

Fruitbowl Media will be managing the new Island Works coworking space at Dockyard Church in partnership with The Kent Foundation, offering members flexible packages and different spaces to suit their business needs. The Kent Foundation will also provide business support for young people (aged 16 – 30) starting and growing businesses from the local area. This will include hosting free workshops, advisory sessions and events.

The public will have access to the new Island Works Cafe and visit the building to see parts of the newly restored Great Dockyard Model, which will be on display for the first time as well as admire the beautifully restored interior. Spaces will also be available to hire for meetings and events.