Chatham Historic Dockyard was a Royal Navy dockyard from the 16th century until its closure in 1984. Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust now runs the site as a visitor attraction.  

One of the historic dockyard buildings, No.1 Smithery, was derelict, contaminated by asbestos and on the Heritage at Risk Register.

The Trust worked with the National Maritime Museum and the Imperial War Museum to refurbish the shell of the building, while retaining and interpreting its industrial interior. Environmentally sealed ‘boxes’ were created for new interactive displays, touring exhibitions, learning spaces, a study area and visitor facilities. The building now houses three major national collections of model ships that were previously not accessible to the public.

The redeveloped No.1 Smithery added an engaging and accessible dimension to the story of the dockyard that is attracting new audiences - a programme of educational activities is now on offer to schools.

Read more on the Historic Dockyard Chatham website.