In the quiet, historic town of Sheerness, known for its maritime legacy, the winds of change are blowing in a bold new direction. This was never more evident than during the ‘Bold New Vision’ event hosted by the Duke’s Voyager Shipyard (DVS), which sought to blend heritage with innovation in ways that could reshape Sheerness’ future. The event, held on Thursday 5th September 2024 at the iconic Dockyard Church, was a day filled with optimism, ideas, and a strong sense of community.
This is not just another tale of ambition but a story of transformation, but one that began earlier on Monday 8th July, when DVS took a critical step forward. Ben Thornley, Planning Manager at Peel Ports, assessed the prospects of DVS acquiring the historic Boat Store, and the site visit underlined the potential of this venture. The success of that meeting laid the groundwork for a formal proposal from DVS, positioning the Boat Store as central to Sheerness’ regeneration.
Welcome to the Future: Bold Ideas Take Centre Stage
With over 20 people in attendance, the atmosphere at the event was charged with anticipation. Ann Duke, the host, set the stage with a stirring introduction, followed by an impressive lineup of speakers who would each shed light on Sheerness’ exciting prospects. Among the key speakers were Jesse Seaward from the Thames Estuary Partnership, Dr Donna Arnold from the University of Kent, Andrew Pledger from Barclays Eagle Labs, and Jane Knight, CEO of Successful Mums Academy.
Tony Duke: The Man with the Vision
The heart of the day was undoubtedly Tony Duke, the visionary behind the Duke’s Voyager Shipyard project.
When Tony took to the stage, his passion was palpable. He outlined his journey from the Knowledge Dock, UEL, to his work with the University of Kent researching sustainable yacht building — it was about transforming Sheerness into a hub of innovation, breathing new life into the local economy and creating a place where both heritage and future generations thrive.
Reviving History: The Historic Boat Store Project
Following Tony’s impassioned speech, Clement Akran, Project Manager for DVS, took the stage to provide a detailed roadmap for the Historic Boat Store project.
His presentation painted a vivid picture of how the revitalisation of this space could bridge Sheerness’ past and future. It wasn’t just about preserving a piece of history but using it as a catalyst for economic growth, sustainability, and community renewal.
A Broader Conversation: Guest Speakers on the Future of Sheerness
As the event progressed, the conversation broadened to encompass the larger implications for Sheerness.
Jesse Seaward’s discussion on improving flood risk management along the Thames was timely and urgent, given the increasing risks posed by climate change. His insights into safeguarding riverside communities like Sheerness offered a glimpse into how sustainable strategies could help secure a resilient future.
Dr Donna Arnold, with her captivating insights into the preservation of historical artefacts, reminded the audience of the delicate balance between honouring the past and innovating for the future. Her talk served as a poignant reminder that preserving history is not only an act of respect but also a form of modern innovation.
Community Empowerment: Local Talent and Businesses
The afternoon shifted focus to community empowerment, with Andrew Pledger emphasising the importance of nurturing local startups and businesses through innovation and support. His call to foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem felt like a critical missing link in Sheerness’ journey toward revitalisation
Jane Knight, the inspiring CEO of Successful Mums Academy, then took the stage to highlight how training and support for local residents, especially women, could be transformative. Her academy has helped over 10,000 parents return to work, and she passionately conveyed how the DVS vision could empower the Sheerness community far beyond economic growth.
Cultural Connection: A Cinematic Journey and Workshops
After a well-earned lunch break, the attendees were treated to a screening of Journey of a Lifetime, a short documentary by award-winning actor and director Alex Dower. The film drew a symbolic connection between Tony Duke’s vision for Sheerness and his personal family voyage to Nigeria, mirroring the town’s own journey of renewal. The use of a carbon-neutral yacht in the film underscored the commitment to sustainability, and the message of cultural connection resonated deeply with the audience.
The afternoon workshops allowed participants to explore key themes such as sustainability, local history, and funding partnerships. It was an opportunity for the community to contribute to the conversation, ask questions, and feel an active part of the vision for Sheerness.
A Moment of Reflection: Transformation and Renewal
As the day began to draw to a close, a gentle rain started to fall, casting a symbolic touch on the proceedings. It felt like nature herself was blessing the vision of transformation unfolding before us. The rain seemed to mark a renewal for Sheerness, echoing the sense of change that had permeated the event.
The Final Word: A Community on the Brink of Change
The event concluded with a panel discussion, featuring contributions from all the speakers and members of the audience.
Their passion for the future of Sheerness matched Tony Duke’s vision, and their insights underscored that this regeneration was not just a top-down initiative—it was something the entire community could get behind.
As the attendees slowly dispersed, it was clear that ‘A Bold New Vision for Sheerness’ was more than just an event—it was the start of a movement. The two-year timeline for the Duke’s Voyager Shipyard project may seem distant, but the excitement and determination on display ensured that the wait would be worth it. With the Duke family’s upcoming journey to Nigeria on a carbon-neutral yacht serving as a powerful symbol of this transformation, Sheerness stands poised to embrace a future that honours its past while forging ahead into a sustainable, innovative tomorrow.
