A report examining the economic impact of one of the county’s premier tourist attractions has estimated it generates almost £28 million to the local economy.

Published to coincide with English Tourism Week, the report by Durnin Research reveals the Chatham Historic Dockyard contributes £27.8m to the Medway and Kent economy through employment, visitor spending and on-site business activities.

The dockyard employs more than 600 people directly or indirectly with nearly 200 businesses operating within the estate - employing the equivalent of a further 580 full-time staff.

It also generates a net additional economic impact exceeding £2.5m GVA (gross value added - in other words the money made from the site minus the cost to facilitate it) from visitor activities - including more than £1.8m spent by visitors in Medway and Kent, beyond their expenditure at the dockyard.

A popular movie location, courtesy of its historic buildings, filming contributes a further £500,000 in additional GVA with hospitality events adding close to £125,000.

It also says the introduction of the Docking Station - which will see the regeneration of the Police Section House into a creative hub in co-operation with the University of Kent and Medway Council - is set to create 40 new jobs and contribute a GVA of close to £2m when fully occupied.

Richard Morsley, chief executive of the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, said: “During the year where we have commemorated the 40th anniversary of the closure of the working dockyard and the establishment of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, this latest research reaffirms the vital role the Historic Dockyard plays in the economies of Medway and Kent.

“These findings demonstrate our significant contributions to local employment and the support we provide to local businesses and services. The dockyard is, and will continue to be, far more than a heritage site commemorating the past; it is a thriving hub for business, culture, and community, essential in supporting the economic vitality of the area.”

Medway Council leader, Cllr Vince Maple added: “The Historic Dockyard Chatham is an integral part of Medway – not just as a cornerstone of our tourism and visitor economy, but as a treasured place that helps form our very identity.

“Its transformation in the last 40 years has been truly remarkable and we’re proud that it has become established as one of the leading tourism destinations in the South East, putting Medway on the map, providing essential jobs and helping to boost our economy.”