The architects behind the multi-million-pound restoration of a church have won an award.

Sheerness Dockyard Church had been left in ruin for more than 20 years after a devastating fire, but is now a humming community space following the £9.5million transformation.

The 19th-century building has been overhauled and turned into an enterprise centre named Island Works, which opened in June 2023.

Since then, it has been used by 16 to 30-year-olds looking to grow their own business.

This week, the firm behind the revamp, Hugh Broughton Architects, has won the 2025 Reinvention Award from the Royal Institute of British Architects.

The Institute recognises buildings that have been creatively reused to improve their environmental, social, or economic sustainability, to increase their longevity and energy efficiency, rather than demolishing and rebuilding them.

It says the disused building, which had been on Historic England’s ‘Heritage at Risk’ register due to the fire damage, was “sensitively restored” by the architects.

They used “innovative” material and employed local skills and labour to preserve its exterior and retain original features.

The work involved stabilising and restoring surviving masonry walls, reinstating the original parapets, which were lost in the 19th century, and entirely dismantling and rebuilding the tower.

One of the two cantilevered stone stairs has also been reinstated, while the 1828 roof profile has been restored.

The boss of the architects, Hugh Broughton, said: “It is so exciting to win this fabulous award.

“Alongside Martin Ashley Architects, we have been so lucky to work with the amazing Dockyard Trust on the reinvention of George Ledwell Taylor’s remarkable Dockyard Church, revealing its architectural splendours and elegant proportions once more for the people of Sheerness to enjoy.

“The reinvigorated building has been removed from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register and now provides a focus for young entrepreneurs and local businesses, a place for the community to learn about their history, a venue for a wide range of public events and a brilliant café.”