A masterplan has been unveiled to transform Sheerness docks and could see the creation of more than 1,000 jobs and the setting-up of a direct rail link to Liverpool.

The ambitious 20-year scheme was revealed today by the dockyard’s owners, Peel Ports.

There are a number of major proposals within the overall plan.

These include:

• Reclaiming land off Garrison Point for a mixed use development and marina.
• To open a heritage quarter within the port, converting listed buildings for retail and leisure use.
• Bringing part of the town’s derelict steelworks site into port use.
• Building a rail link between Sheerness, Liverpool via the Midlands for goods transportation.

Miles Hearn, Peel Ports director, said: “What this means for Sheerness is a long-term plan for growing the port.

“It should create additional jobs, bring in investment from our backers and really allow us to grow.”

It’s estimated up to 1,250 jobs will be created if the masterplan comes to fruition.

The proposal was drawn-up in response to a Port Forecasting Study which estimated the amount cargo being handled at Sheerness will nearly treble by 2034.

The masterplan will be formally launched on Wednesday, followed by a six-week public consultation period.

Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson welcomed the proposals, saying: “We’ve got a long-standing unemployment problem on Sheppey.

“This plan, even though it’s over a 20-year period, will provide these jobs so I’m really enthusiastic about it.

“It think it provides a number of benefits for the Island, particularly the rail link.

“If we can get that up and running it will increase the amount of trade we can get in and out of the docks which will secure the jobs.”

A series of exhibitions on the masterplan take place at Sheppey Gateway in Sheerness High Street on the following dates:

• Thursday, November 13 from 9.30am to 1pm.
• Friday, November 14 from 3.30pm to 7.30pm.
• Saturday, November 15 from 9.30am to 1pm.

A further presentation will be made from 9.30am to 1pm on Friday, November 14 at Eastchurch Village Hall, Warden Road, Eastchurch.