Docking Station

The University of Kent have appointed a multidisciplinary team to develop the design of the Docking Station - a proposed high quality creative centre which brings together state-of-the-art commercial digital production studios, support for local businesses, new education and training opportunities as well as a public programme of events and activities.

The proposal is for these facilities to be located on a single site on the Interface Development Land adjacent to Chatham's Historic Dockyard. These functions will be split between the former Police Section House (Grade II Listed, Scheduled Monument) and the land within its curtilage - where a new Digital Production Studio building and public realm is proposed.

The proposals are for approximately 817 sqm (GIA) of refurbished space in the former Section House; comprised of Exhibition, Cafe, Entrance, hireable meeting space, and associated ancillary spaces on the Ground Floor; with post-production studios, office, co-working and communal space on the upper floors. Meanwhile, the proposed Digital Production Studios building includes approximately 735 sqm (GIA) of floor space. This comprises three studios, green rooms/dressing rooms, production offices and technical space, plus associated facilities.

The Planning Description of Development is as follows: "Part demolition and conversion of the former Police Section House for exhibition space, cafe, meeting space, post-production studios, office and co-working space (mixed-use). The development of a digital production studio (Sui Generis) and the installation of rooftop PV panels. A single storey link extension, construction of vehicular access, substation, hard and soft landscaping and associated works".