A Grade II-listed police building will be turned into a university creative hub.

The former section house will include an exhibition space, cafe, meeting space, post-production studios, office, and co-working space to be used by University of Kent undergraduates and staff.

Planning documents revealed the redevelopment, in the Chatham Historic Dockyard, would create 57 full-time jobs and generate more than £16 million in value for the area over 10 years.

They said the new facility will be a unique creative space offering something exciting to students and locals.

The police station, built in 1857, has been partially refurbished since 1987 when the dockyard closed, and has been used by various companies as office space.

One document said: “The Docking Station will give Medway campus a distinctive identity and direct connection with the creative digital industries.

“The Docking Station will support and increase the profile of the university’s ambition to be a recognised national and international leader in the cultural and creative industries by 2025.”

The scheme was discussed by councillors at Medway Council’s planning committee on Thursday and was unanimously approved.

Leader of the unitary authority Cllr Vince Maple (Lab) said: "I am very supportive of this application. I think this is a really good use of a space that has not been used for more than 50 years.

“I really welcome this application, I welcome the partnership between the council, the university, and the dockyard."

Ward councillor for Gillingham North, Cllr Douglas Hamandishe (Lab), added: “This is an opportunity to recognise and regenerate.

“This is an opportunity to regenerate a building that has sat idle for 50 years and encourage opportunities for young people to aspire to get into the arts, and the digital spaces because when we are looking for skills that are relevant, we have got something on our doorstep.

“We have got film crews who come here all the time already, all they need is this additional input so we can create that additional industry and an industry of our own."

Also expressing his support of the plans, Wayfield and Weeds Wood ward councillor Eddie Peake (Lab) said the area should be promoted for use by the film industry.

He added: “My son has just been a lead role in a film that was made in the dockyard and the production team and those involved said it already has a really high reputation, so the more that we can extend this asset the better."

Works are expected to be completed by 2025.