Kent is delighted to have been awarded Construction Project of the Year 2025 for Docking Station at the Kent Invicta Chamber Awards. The award was presented to the University and Baxall Construction team delivering the project at a black tie awards ceremony hosted by the Chamber at Westenhanger Castle in Hythe on Thursday 20 November.
The winning project, Docking Station, is transforming the historic Police Section House in Chatham into a cutting-edge centre for digital innovation and immersive media and aims to put Medway at the forefront of research and innovation into digital immersive experiences.
This recognition celebrates more than a building; it’s about reimagining what’s possible. Docking Station will offer state-of-the-art digital production studios including LED volume, motion capture, volumetric capture and photogrammetry for students, businesses, and local people. There will be flexible teaching spaces, co-working areas, performance and exhibition spaces all woven into a programme of public events and community engagement. It will be a new bridge between academia, industry and the community.
Work has already begun on the first phase in which Baxall Construction are converting the Grade II listed Police Section House into studios and co-working space. Community members have been given the opportunity to support the scheme through the Make Your Mark campaign and local students from Medway School of Arts are documenting the transformation for a photography exhibition at the grand opening in late 2026.
The award comes just weeks after the National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded a further £250,000 to the project, completing the funding required to deliver the whole Docking Station scheme, including a state-of-the-art new building behind the original facility.
Caroline Dennis, Director of the Docking Station project, said: ‘Winning this award is a proud moment for everyone who’s helped the University bring this bold idea to life, from the design and construction teams to the partners, funders, and the local community who continue to support this transformative project. We are delighted to be recognised as one of Kent’s most outstanding developments.’
Tudor Price, Chief Executive of the Chamber, commented: ‘Congratulations to all our winners and finalists. Your achievements are a testament to the resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit that define Kent’s business community. We are proud to celebrate your success and look forward to seeing your continued growth and impact.’
Docking Station is funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as well as the Colyer Fergusson Charitable Trust and led by the University of Kent’s Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries.
Award winners celebrate at the awards at Westenhanger Castle.
Photo credit: Matthew Walker Photography