Sheerness Dockyard Preservation Trust Thanks Fruitbowl Media as IslandWorks Enters a New Chapter
The Sheerness Dockyard Preservation Trust has announced that Fruitbowl Media Ltd, the operators behind IslandWorks at Dockyard Church, will be coming to the end of their lease in June, as Paul from Fruitbowl plans a well-earned retirement.
Over recent years, Fruitbowl Media has played a significant role in bringing life and activity back to the historic Dockyard Church building through IslandWorks. The Trust would like to extend its sincere thanks to Paul and the entire Fruitbowl team for their stewardship of the space and their commitment to supporting both the building and the wider Isle of Sheppey community.
Under Fruitbowl’s management, IslandWorks has grown into a welcoming hub for collaboration, creativity and enterprise. The space has hosted coworking facilities, meetings, workshops and events, creating opportunities for individuals, entrepreneurs and community groups to connect in a unique heritage setting.
From mid-June, the Sheerness Dockyard Preservation Trust will take on the management of the building, ensuring continuity for existing users and maintaining the much-valued event and meeting spaces within the beautifully restored Dockyard Church.
The flexible event spaces will continue to be available for presentations, workshops, seminars, networking events and community gatherings, offering a distinctive setting designed to bring people together for business, creativity and community activity.
At the same time, the Trust will begin the process of seeking a new long-term commercial operator who shares its vision for IslandWorks.
A spokesperson for the Trust said:”We are incredibly grateful to Paul and the Fruitbowl Media team for the energy, care and professionalism they have brought to IslandWorks. Their work has helped establish the Dockyard Church as a place where people, businesses and ideas can come together.”
“As we move into the next phase, the Trust is committed to ensuring the building continues to serve the community while we explore new and exciting opportunities for the future.” The Trust looks forward to continuing to engage with local businesses, organisations and residents as the next chapter for the Dockyard Church develops.
During this transition period, please note that bookings for events taking place after the transfer will need to be confirmed by the new operators before they can proceed. All bookings scheduled prior to the handover will continue as normal.
All enquiries regarding events, community activities and use of the space should be directed to hello@islandworks.co.uk