Machine Shop No.8 is a Grade 2* listed structure in Chatham Maritime which is one of the few remaining assets from this old Royal Navy Dockyard, to be found a new use. Originally constructed in Woolwich Dockyard it was moved to Chatham in the late 19th Century but after closure of the dockyard it fell into disrepair and following safety concerns all cladding and roofing were removed. The exposed cost and wrought iron structure has consequently suffered from the exposed conditions resulting in an increasing maintenance liability and difficulties in finding viable reuse.
Tibbalds CampbellReith have recently won the contract to determine the nature of repairs and redevelopment that are both possible and viable.
The frame is unique representing a period of iron frame construction that involved incomplete transition between historic timber roofs and the newer wrought iron roofs that the Victorians were building particularly over major railway stations. The frame is therefore highly dynamic and design solutions are required that reflect the dynamic sensitivity of the structure.
