GROUNDWORK Medway Swale's most ambitious project is now underway at Gillingham Pier.

The £500,000 development by the environmental improvements group aims to transform the area from a declining dock to a thriving port.

GMS hopes that the regeneration will encourage marine businesses to move to the pier, creating jobs and eventually providing a self-financing waterfront facility for Medway.

It is part of an overall regeneration programme costing almost £2 million and financed by the Government through Medway Council.