THE FIRM building the Dockside Outlet Centre in Chatham Maritime is shutting its Kent offices with the loss of 100 jobs.

National contractor Galliford Try Construction has announced that its two South East business units Try Accord in East Peckham, and Try Construction, Uxbridge, are to be merged to form Galliford Try Construction South, based in Uxbridge.

The company is also quitting the maintenance services market. As a result of both decisions, the East Peckham offices of Try Accord, located at the Wharf Complex, Branbridges Road, will close.

Most of the jobs to be lost involve tradesmen such as plumbers, electricians and carpenters.

However, company sources confirmed that the Chatham Maritime team of up to 15, including project manager Guy Shepherd, would not be losing their jobs.

At least some of the team may stay together if Try Accord wins its bid to construct the Dickens World theme complex alongside the Dockside Outlet Centre.

Andy Sturgess, managing director of Galliford Try's Construction Division said: "The company has undertaken a nationwide review of its construction operations to ensure it can deliver a cost effective service to its clients.

"In the South, this can most efficiently be organised through one business, which will be located at Uxbridge.

"It will focus on private and public sector construction projects based on the long-term client relationships of both the existing businesses. Unfortunately, we could not justify retaining the East Peckham office."