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A series of new report have been issued by the Save Chatham Docks Campaign highlighting the opportunities for the future at Chatham Docks.  It heaps even more pressure onto landowners Peel L&P who want to turn Medway’s 400 year old commercial port into riverside flats.

The raft of documents that have been sent to Medway Council’s planning department for it to consider as part of its consideration of its new Local Plan include the following:

-  A viability report prepared by Medway’s leading accountants, Crossley Group, into the economic conditions surrounding commercial tenancy at Chatham Docks that concludes that the return on Chatham Docks is “above industry expectations and is therefore economically viable from a capital perspective.”

-  A report by marine consulting engineers and ship surveyors, ABP Marine Limited, into the costs of repairing the existing lock gates at Chatham Docks.  This report concludes that it would only require a capital outlay of £3.5 million to repair the lock gates rather than the £30 million suggested by Peel.  

-  An economic and financial assessment of Chatham Docks by Independent Port Consultants that concludes that “in view of the cost estimate, financial viability and impact on jobs and revenue if the operation is made to close, ending the operation to render the land available for alternative uses does not make economic sense”

-  An economic opportunities report prepared by the Save Chatham Docks Campaign outlining the opportunities for Chatham Docks going forward.  Drawing on evidence from three recent technical documents, the new report provides a comprehensive look at whether the Docks have a long term future.  It assesses the impact the Docks have on a range of issues that affect Medway residents namely jobs, air quality and the economy. 

Phil Taylor, CEO of Chatham Docks biggest tenant ArcelorMittal Kent Wire, believes that these reports only strengthens the case being made by the Save Chatham Docks campaign: 

“Chatham Docks are the jewel in Medway’s maritime crown, the beating heart of this great river.  We’ve said all along that closing them would be disastrous for Medway and the proof’s all here in black and white.” 

These reports do not shy away from considering whether in a post-BREXIT world the Docks can pay its way.  It’s positive conclusion that yes, the maths adds up, is no surprise to Phil Taylor:

“Contrary to what the landlord wants you to believe - and even without proper investment by them - the Docks are still thriving.  Just imagine how well they could be doing under proper management!  More jobs, more trainees, more businesses working here.  That’s what we all want going forward.