Sittingbourne is in line to benefit from a masterplan to transform Sheerness docks, which could see the creation of more than 1,000 jobs.

The ambitious 20-year scheme, which includes a direct rail link to Liverpool, was revealed on Friday, October 31, by owners Peel Ports.

The plan is made up of a number of proposals, including:

• Reclaiming land off Garrison Point for a mixed use development and marina.
• Opening up a heritage quarter within the docks, 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 and Liverpool for goods transportation.

Miles Hearn, director of Peel Ports, which has interests in Liverpool docks and Manchester Ship Canal, 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 is 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 of cargo being handled at Sheerness will nearly treble by 2034.

The scheme also includes plans to secure land at Rushenden Marshes as “an area for port operations”.

The masterplan was formally launched last Wednesday and is being 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 very really enthusiastic about it.

“This could also have a positive knock-on effect for Sittingbourne and the rest of Swale.”

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