Transformation complete as Dockyard Church becomes IslandWorks

The two year project to restore the fire gutted Dockyard Church is now complete. The building is embracing a new future as IslandWorks - an enterprise centre, events venue and cafe. IslandWorks will be run by Fruitbowl Media who are expanding their already successful co-working operation into prestigious locations across Kent. Fruitbowl saw the newly refurbished Dockyard Church as a perfect addition to their growing portfolio and have now signed a 3 year lease of the building. 

Our recent video below, produced by Tom Lonsdale, includes interviews with key members of the project team and some fantastic images of how the project has evolved from the beginning.

Video produced by Tom Lonsdale

Photo by Matthew Andrews

The centre, which opens on Monday 17 July, will offer co-working space for everyone; a start-up incubator and mentoring for 16-30 year olds; an event and meeting venue for hire; home of the the Sheppey Business Network (a support organisation for local businesses), and a public coffee shop.

Will Palin, Chairman of the Sheerness Dockyard Trust said…

“We are proud to have completed this pioneering restoration project - transforming this fantastic historic building from abandoned ruin to majestic landmark housing a beautiful new facility. We are delighted to have granted a lease to IslandWorks and look forward to an exciting new chapter in the history of this extraordinary building. We are confident that IslandWorks will act as a catalyst for economic regeneration for Sheerness and Sheppey - as well as offering a stunning new space for the public to enjoy and explore.”

Photo from IslandWorks

Grand Opening Of IslandWorks: A Unique CoWorking Space And Business Incubator On The Isle Of Sheppey.

IslandWorks, an innovative coworking space and business incubator, is excited to announce its grand opening in the historic Dockyard Church on the Isle of Sheppey. With a vision to foster collaboration, support entrepreneurship, and create a vibrant community, IslandWorks offers a range of services to meet the diverse needs of professionals, entrepreneurs, and local businesses.

IslandWorks is not just a traditional coworking space; it is a dynamic hub that brings together individuals from various industries, providing them with an inspiring environment to work, connect, and grow.

Site Updates

The building will now be handed over to Island Works to make ready and run a new enterprise centre. An official opening to the public will be on Saturday, 22nd July 2023. Everyone will be welcome. 

As this new chapter opens, we asked visitors for their first thoughts and impressions:

Tim Gibson ~ Leader of Swale Borough Council
I was on the scene as a firefighter when the building caught fire in 2001 and I never thought I would see the day it would be brought back so magnificently.

Mike Cosgrove
A Phoenix from the ashes that’s breathtakingly stunning and can be put to use straight away.

Paul Andrews ~ Fruitbowl Media
The building is a metaphor for young people – no matter how hard the journey, they can succeed here.

Sue Bower ~ Founder, The Pilgrim Trust
Glorious. It’s so awe-inspiring with such wonderful height and light.

Richard Oldfield
Fantastic. There’s a real buzz about this building. It will do a huge amount for the area, a shining beacon that lifts it all.

Angela Harrison ~ Sheerness councillor, chairman of housing and health committee
Well done, Will and the team. They didn’t give up and we have a wonderful refurbishment, not a re-model.

James Tremain ~ Spire Media Group
There’s a warming glow to this space with the sun beaming in and this compliments the stone and restoration. It really is an inspiring space to be in.

Leisse Gambell ~ Commanding Officer of Sheppey Sea Cadets
The light pouring in really hit me – and I was taken aback by the scale of what has been achieved here for the community.

Monique Bonney ~ Deputy leader, Swale Borough Council
What a fantastic restoration, a space where so much light filters into the church.

Kyra Cross ~ Monitoring and Communications office for Ideas Test, Creative People and Places National Portfolio
I come from a benefits-class background and having an amazing space like this for young people in similar circumstances gives them a place to thrive in warm and welcoming Sheerness and Sheppey.

Nathalie Banaigs ~ Kent Creative
It was not what I expected! Such a big, open space with a mix of old and new. Retaining the scorched pillars tells the story of the building.

Simon Marks
It is money well spent and a marvellous community project that will bring life to the area. I am impressed.

Tracy Brunt ~ Director, Ideas Test
I absolutely love the space, particularly the whitewashed walls – they are really effective and reflect the old and new styles.

Stuart Tanton ~ Kent Foundation
Stunning! This is such an inspiring building for the people of the island.

Julie Webb ~ Private Clients Director, Aston Lark
I came here when the aisle was overgrown with weeds, so I am blown away. The classical Georgian windows on all four sides of the building are simply beautiful. I really hope this will be a catalyst for regeneration in this area of North Kent.

Samantha Lahai-Taylor ~ KCC Principal Project Office for Placemaking and Wellbeing (Culture and Creative Economy team)
An amazing, sympathetic restoration where you can see the essence of the building which is such a good space for the community.

Ken Wilkin
There’s such a welcoming feeling as you walk in, a lovely atmosphere – and so much potential for groups who will use the building.

Marian Boswall ~ Landscape architect
It is so light! I am so excited to see this old building now breathing new life and hope for the future.

Anthony Mould
I always judge any architect in the way he or she handles light. Here, there is always light pouring in and that is so important.

Photos by Matthew Andrews

Community, NewsChris FouldsDockyard ChurchComment