Masters House workshops approved

Young makers in Sheerness will soon have a space to ply their craft and build their business with the support of a local charity.

Swale Borough Council’s plans to transform the existing garages at Masters House into three workshops, a toilet and kitchenette have been approved by the council’s planning department.

The works from part of the council’s £20m Sheerness Revival project, funded by the UK Government, which aims to improve the health and wellbeing, education and leisure facilities on the Island, as well as create new employment opportunities for local people.

These modern, sustainably built workshops will provide the perfect space for artists, ceramists, woodworkers, screen printers and more to practice their craft and create and grow a business.

Launch It will work with and empower these young entrepreneurs - between the age of 18 and 30 –to fulfil their potential by providing the space, mentoring, and training needed to start a business.

Masters house is already home to a number of small businesses following a £1,5m investment into its refurbishment from the council, used as match funding to secure the grant for the Sheerness Revival Project.

The other elements of the project include East Kent College’s (EKC) plans for the expansion of Sheppey College, which have been submitted to the council’s planning department, and the introduction of a new curriculum.

The plans for the expansion, remodelling and renovation of the Healthy Living Centre have also been submitted, which includes the modernisation of the medical centre, adding soft play, Tag Active, adventure golf and more.

The workspaces are set to be completed by spring 2025.

Cllr Monique Bonney, chair of the Economy and Property Committee, said:

“After an incredible amount of hard work behind the scenes our Sheerness Revival project is picking up steam, with all three of our projects at their final planning stages.

“Launch It has already been providing an amazing service to young entrepreneurs, in the refurbished Masters house, helping them stride towards their dreams and we are excited to be able to add to their offer.

“These new workshops will make it possible for people who want to craft, make or engineer to kickstart their business in the appropriate setting whilst receiving expert advice and support.

“Whilst Masters House is helping with employment, we know how important GP provision is for our community, so we have included modernising and improving the medical centre within our plans.

“We also wanted the already well used and loved leisure centre in Sheerness to be a place for families and kids to have fun all year round, so having in-door activities like soft play and Tag Active along with the adventure golf will allow us to achieve that.

“Education is also being improved on the Island with EKC’s plans having been unveiled for their extension and new curriculum at Sheppey College.”

Denise knight, Enterprise Manager at Launch It Kent, said:

“We can't wait to hear from everyone who would like to start their dream business and grow with a supportive, like-minded community of young founders and local business owners.

“Our thanks to Swale Borough Council and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for making this wonderful development happen.”

If you are 18-30 years old and interested to find out more about these workshops, or business support, visit launchit.org.uk/sheerness or email denise@launchit.org.uk.

Another of the schemes that make up Sheerness Revival, the expansion of the Sheppey College, was also agreed at the meeting, read more here.

The final element, improved health, leisure and wellbeing facilities at Beachfields, are still being reviewed by the council’s planners and a decision is expected later this year.

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