CHATHAM’S illustrious maritime past is to come alive at a new national museum - but only if backers can find the £17m that will be needed.

The museum is planned for the old Smithery, now a derelict building in Chatham’s Historic Dockyard.

A deal between the National Maritime Museum, the Imperial War Museum, the Science Museum, the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and the Historic Dockyard Trust was agreed during a recent visit to Medway.

The museum would display objects hidden from view for years and include the ship model collection that had been the centrepiece of a previous plan.

Funding could come from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, and English Heritage. The public may also be invited to contribute.

Paul Hudson, SEEDA’s development director, announced the plan at MIPIM at a meeting attended by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

Mr Hudson said: "The National Museums at Chatham would be a fine example of cultural regeneration and a major visitor attraction. It isn’t dry dustry glass models, this is all about the exciting maritime story of Medway."

Bill Ferris, Trust chief executive, cautioned that the funding was not yet in place but admitted it was an "incredibly exciting" project. "Research scholars would have access to things they’ve not been able to see for 40 years, if ever," he said.

It was important to win the backing of the public, he added. If it went ahead, the museum would be a great example of cultural regeneration and change the image of Medway.