Issue 47 JUNE - Flipbook - Page 41
cantilever stone stair and conserved and redecorated
fluted cast iron columns. This is not a full restoration of
the original interior however – other parts of the original
fabric, including a broken stone stair and fragments of
decorative plaster, have been stabilised and retained as
vestiges of the building’s history. Meanwhile, contemporary interventions supporting the space’s new uses are
expressed as such. A polished concrete floor houses
underfloor heating and features a central aisle of re-laid
original stone tiles. Glazed partitions and doors maintain
the voluminous and light-filled quality inside whilst
establishing separate spaces for meetings. The upper level
floors provide open-plan workspace and are built to the
footprint of the original tiered seating galleries, connected
by lightweight steel link bridges. Slatted timber ceilings
conceal insulation to improve the acoustics throughout
the space, and the flitched timber trusses support
track-mounted light fittings and high-performance fire
detection systems. Topping it all off are four large, circular
skylights which fill the space with natural light.
pieces, providing a focal point for visitors and a means by
which to tell the story of the dockyard and its place in
Britain’s naval history.
Fruitbowl Media will be managing the new Island Works
coworking space at Dockyard Church in partnership with
The Kent Foundation, offering members flexible packages
and different spaces to suit their business needs. The Kent
Foundation will also provide business support for young
people (aged 16 - 30) starting and growing businesses from
the local area. This will include hosting free workshops,
advisory sessions and events.
The public will have access to the new Island Works Cafe
and visit the building to see parts of the newly restored
Great Dockyard Model, which will be on display for the
first time as well as admire the beautifully restored interior.
Spaces will also be available to hire for meetings and
events.
Hugh Broughton, architect, commented: “It has been a
pleasure to work with the Dockyard Trust on the reinvention of George Ledwell Taylor’s remarkable Dockyard
Church, revealing its architectural splendours and elegant
proportions once more for people to enjoy. The reinvigorated building will provide a focus for young entrepreneurs
in Sheerness and a place for the local community to learn
about the history of the dockyard. The existing fabric has
Sections of a remarkable wooden scale model of
Sheerness Dockyard, made more than 200 years ago to
demonstrate John Rennie’s design for the overhaul of the
dockyard, are on display on the ground floor. This vast
depiction of the area has been in the care of English
Heritage but now it will be returned to Sheerness in
Below, Sheerness Dockyard Church after by Dirk Lindner
Below, Sheerness Dockyard Church before ©James Brittain
i
i
Conservation & Heritage Journal
39
