The long-term future of Chatham's Historic Dockyard is secure thanks to a huge lottery grant.

The £4.8 million cash injection will fund the refurbishment and conversion of the Fitted Rigging House, a Grade 1 listed building.

Tracey Crouch, Chatham MP and heritage minister made the announcement at the former naval base this afternoon.

The historic building, which dates back to 1793, has been underutilised for many years, a drain on resources and increasingly at risk of falling into disrepair.

The total cost of the project is £8.2 million with £1.5m already committed by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

A fundraising programme is under way to close any shortfall but yesterday’s announcement effectively protects the dockyard’s future following the closure of the naval base 33 years ago.

The funding is designated as “earmarked” meaning the trust that runs the venue has two years to submit fully developed proposals.

A key feature is to include rental space for commercial tenants and a volunteers centre.

It will also house the dockyard’s “nationally important” library and archive.

Bill Ferris, chief executive of the Historic Dockyard Trust, said: “We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has allocated the innovative heritage enterprise funding to this critical project that is a real investment in the long-term future sustainability of the whole estate and our education and tourism work.

"My colleagues here at the trust will now work hard to deliver an outstanding 21st century facility that our funders and stakeholders will be proud of.”

The Fitted Rigging House is one of 100 historic buildings and structures that form the Historic Dockyard, the world’s most complete dockyard of the age of sail.

It provided accommodation for yard workers to make warships’ standing rigging and a storehouse for new equipment. Together with the ropery, it forms an outstanding group of related 18th century brick structures that have survived relatively unchanged.

Stuart McLeod, Head of HLF South East, said: “The Fitting Rigging House is a key part of Chatham’s heritage - not flashy but solid and reliable.

“It has played a vital role at the site for over 200 years but currently its potential is not being fully capitalised on due to its sheer size and complexity.”

Ms Crouch said: “This funding will not only help preserve our wonderful maritime heritage at Chatham, but allow the Dockyard to be fit for purpose and serve the community in the future.

"I am looking forward to witnessing the benefits this project will bring to the local area, businesses and all the fantastic volunteers who will help make the visitor experience brilliant."