Docking Station Medway Open Day

Explore the story of the former Police Section House and learn how this historic building is being carefully adapted for a new future. Built in the 1860s to house unmarried Metropolitan Police officers serving Chatham Dockyard, the three-storey building formed part of the dockyard's extensive security network and has remained a prominent local landmark ever since.

The history of policing at Chatham stretches back centuries. Before dedicated police forces existed, watchmen, porters, rounders and warders protected the dockyard, guarding valuable stores, patrolling against theft, monitoring prisoners and helping prevent fires. As one of Britain's most important naval shipbuilding centres, the dockyard was also vulnerable to espionage and relied on robust security measures.

The arrival of the Metropolitan Police in the nineteenth century marked a new chapter in dockyard policing. The Police Section House provided practical accommodation for officers working in and around the dockyard, and its distinctive rooftop lantern has long inspired speculation about links to the nearby convict prison.

Visitors can discover the building's heritage significance and find out how it is being restored as part of Docking Station, a £15 million regeneration project. The development will create specialist digital production facilities, teaching and research spaces, exhibition and performance areas, co-working facilities and public gathering spaces, opening spring 2027.

Timings

Wednesday 16 September:

10.00, 11.30 and 14.00

Location & directions

Docking Station, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Western Avenue, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TY

Directions:

If you are travelling by car, please use post code ME4 4TY and head to the main car park in front of visitor reception at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. Once parked, please make your way to the Galvanising Shop, which is the large dark brick building situated to the left of the main visitor entrance, where the event will begin. Please give us your car registration details upon arrival at the event reception if you have not done so already, which will ensure that the barrier will lift without charge upon exiting the car park.

Contact on day:

Esther Lutman

Telephone number:

+447989566952

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

To book a place, please email docking Station and add "Heritage Open Day" to the subject line of your email. Important information: This is an active construction site. Visitors must wear sturdy boots or shoes. A hard hat and high-visibility vest will be provided. We can not allow anyone under 18 on the site.

Booking contact name:

Esther Lutman

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking opens:

10 Aug 2026 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

10 Sep 2026 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

Access information: The site includes uneven ground and trip hazards typical of a construction environment. Access to upper floors is via stairs only. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the site, the tour is not suitable for visitors with mobility or other access requirements. We cannot allow anyone under 18 on the site.

Additional information

Max number of people:

12

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s)

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