APM, IWFM, CIBSE & ICCI Presents - From Heritage to High-Tech: The Chatham Docking Station Story

APM, IWFM, CIBSE & ICCI present From Heritage to High-Tech: The Medway Docking Station Story; exploring how visionary leadership transformed a historic landmark into a future-ready innovation hub. This webinar was held on 3 November 2026.

Join APM, IWFM, CIBSE and the Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries (iCCi), University of Kent, for an insightful webinar exploring the remarkable transformation of the Police Section House, a historic building at the Historic Dockyard Chatham that stood vacant for over 40 years before being reimagined as Docking Station, a cutting-edge digital and immersive technology hub.

This session examined the project journey from concept to delivery, highlighting the challenges, decisions and leadership required to balance heritage preservation with modern innovation. Set within a Grade II listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, the project represents far more than a capital development initiative. It is a powerful example of purpose-led project delivery, focused on regeneration, skills development, community outcomes and economic growth.

Featuring insights from Caroline Dennis, Project Director at iCCi, attendees heard how the team navigated significant funding pressures, rising construction costs and complex heritage constraints. Rather than compromise the vision, the project underwent a strategic reset, including phased delivery, redesign and re-procurement, ensuring long-term value while maintaining functionality and future flexibility.

The webinar also explored how heritage assets were carefully restored and integrated into the design, from original windows and historic materials to the preservation of archaeological remains linked to Brunel's former sawmill. Attendees gained valuable lessons on stakeholder collaboration, risk management, adaptive planning and future-proofing infrastructure in an evolving technology landscape.

Whether you are a project professional, facilities manager, property leader, heritage specialist or public sector practitioner, this webinar offered practical insights into delivering complex projects that successfully combine innovation, sustainability, heritage conservation and lasting community impact.

Speakers:

Caroline Dennis, Project Director, University of Kent LinkedIn

Caroline is an experienced Project Director, committed to delivering outstanding projects and programmes within the cultural heritage sector for the benefit of communities, urban regeneration and place-shaping. With nearly 20 years’ experience of capital project delivery ranging from new libraries and community centres, development projects at historic buildings and smaller heritage, community and infrastructure projects Caroline brings a wealth of experience to her role as Project Director for Docking Station at the Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries at the University of Kent.

Esther Lutman, Heritage and Engagement Officer, iCCi, University of Kent Lindedin

Esther is an experienced curator and works collaboratively with local organisations, volunteers and artists to research, interpret and engage communities with the heritage of our building, the Police Section House, and the stories of those associated with it.  

Caroline and Esther have very kindly allowed their presented material to be made available for viewing. The webinar recording on Vimeo is now available in our APM resources area and also embedded below for reference.