Subject: A Vision for Collier Dock – Preserving History, Not Burying It

Hi all,

I wanted to share a quick concept of what could be. The attached sketch was initially developed for local council discussions and outlines a potential plan that would not only enrich the area but also provide a fitting home for the last surviving Flower-class sloop from World War One.

Unfortunately, Medway Council and Peel L&P have alternative plans. As part of Phase 2 of the Chatham Dockyard development, they intend to fill in the historic Collier Dock to create a so-called sunken garden.

To many of us, this feels like an act of cultural vandalism. Collier Dock is a site of maritime heritage and national significance — an ideal location for the preservation and restoration of the last ex-Royal Navy sloop. Covering this piece of history with landscaping is, quite frankly, criminal.

There is still time to voice concerns and present a better vision — one that honours our past and invests in a richer, more educational future for the community.

Let’s not bury history. Let’s preserve it.