Construction Project

Our Construction Project

From an idea first imagined in 2018 to opening in late 2026, Docking Station has been one extraordinary journey.

Transforming a Scheduled Ancient Monument while building a brand-new studio hasn’t come easy — it’s been a complex, challenging and hugely rewarding process. Through every twist, turn and inevitable construction hurdle, this project has been a true labour of collaboration, resilience and ambition.

Preserving Our Heritage

The transformation of the Police Section House at Docking Station is not just a construction project. It is a careful act of preservation, storytelling and respect for a building that has stood as a quiet witness to the life of the historic dockyard for generations.

From the very beginning, the ambition has been clear: restore the building in a way that protects its character while ensuring it can serve a meaningful purpose for the future. That balance, between conservation and reinvention, sits at the heart of every decision made on site.

The Police Section House is more than bricks and mortar. It represents the working lives of the Dockyard Police and the rhythms of a place that once played a vital role in Britain’s maritime history. Preserving that legacy has meant going far beyond physical restoration.

Digital Preservation

Before any major works began, a full LiDAR scan of the building was commissioned. This created a detailed digital record of the structure in its original state, capturing every surface, imperfection and architectural feature. It ensures that even as the building evolves, there is a precise and permanent record of where the journey began. This digital preservation will continue to serve as a valuable tool for future conservation, interpretation and education.

But heritage is not only about structures, it is about people and memory.

A significant part of the project has focused on engaging with the community to uncover and document the human stories connected to the building. Former dockyard workers, volunteers and local historians have all played a role in bringing the history of the Police Section House to life. Through conversations, workshops and events, these voices have helped shape a deeper understanding of the site and its significance.

One of the most meaningful outcomes of this work has been the oral history project developed in collaboration with dockyard volunteers. Their recollections, insights and lived experiences have added texture and authenticity to the narrative of the building. These stories capture moments that no archive drawing or official record ever could, offering a personal connection to the past that will continue to resonate with future audiences.

Alongside this, artefacts linked to the Dockyard Police have been carefully documented and preserved using 3D scanning technology. This process ensures that these objects, many of which are fragile or rarely seen, can be digitally archived and shared more widely. It opens up new possibilities for interpretation, allowing people to explore the history of the Dockyard Police in ways that are accessible, engaging and lasting.

Restauration Work

All of this work feeds into a wider vision. The restored Police Section House will not simply be a building to look at, it will be a place where history is actively experienced. The stories gathered, the digital records created and the artefacts preserved will all contribute to how the space is understood and used in the future.

At the same time, the physical restoration of the building has been approached with equal care. Original features have been retained wherever possible, from the central staircase to the refurbished windows, ensuring that the character of the building remains intact. Modern interventions, such as improved environmental performance and new services, have been sensitively integrated so that the building can meet contemporary needs without losing its identity.

This approach reflects a broader philosophy underpinning Docking Station as a whole. It is about honouring what came before while creating something that serves today’s creative community. It is about continuity rather than replacement.

As the project moves closer to completion, the Police Section House stands as a powerful example of what thoughtful heritage preservation can achieve. It shows that with the right balance of technology, community engagement and respect for history, it is possible to protect the past while giving it new life.

And in doing so, it ensures that the stories of the Dockyard Police, and the building they once called home, are not only remembered but carried forward into the future.