After months of sanding down and painting, Jamie Johnson has finally picked up a microphone again after opening Medway’s new music studio.

The popular singer-songwriter helped transform the Riverside One building next to Chatham bus station into a place where anyone can drop in to write, rehearse and record music.

There was live music from Jamie himself and other artists at its launch event on Thursday, as well as drinks and canapes.

The studio is close to the singer’s heart because when he was starting out he had nowhere to rehearse or record.

He said: “Medway has got a massive music scene, but because so many venues have been shut down, people tend to think it is dead.

“Theoretically, this is where people will be able to come 24/7 and just play away in a soundproof room.

“I see it as somewhere to play, meet others get advice and listen to music.”

The council has granted the loan of the premises for about two years when it will be demolished to make way for the major project to restore Fort Amherst.

The £200,000 scheme is being overseen by Chatham Maritime Trust, and supported by Nucleus Arts.

For details visit www.riversideonestudios.co.uk