A much-awaited medieval boat project at the Quay in Sandwich will help bring alive the town’s rich history.

The first phase will see a boat-building workshop erected which, it is hoped, will bring tourism to the town.

It is run by a not-for-profit trust under Bob Martin and Bob Hill and will offer two young apprentices the chance to gain experience of traditional boat building.

Laura Sandys, MP for Sandwich, said: “I’m delighted by the news that the Quay’s medieval boat project has been granted permission.

“Thanet and Sandwich has always been a great proponent of heritage and this is a wonderful initiative of which I’m very supportive.”

Sandwich Town Clerk Laura Fidler said: “The council believes that the project will help bring alive Sandwich’s history as a major medieval port and will be of real interest to local people and visitors alike.

“We particularly hope that it will help fire young people’s interest in the ancient craft of shipbuilding.”

It will also use the Fishergate as its office base after receiving the go-ahead from the council.

Ms Fidler said: “As sole trustee of Sandwich Toll Bridge Fund, the council is also pleased to be working with the Sandwich Historical Boatyard Trust to bring the office space in the historic Fishergate back into use.

“We look forward to seeing how the boat project develops and will do all we can to support this exciting new addition to the existing heritage and tourism offer in Sandwich.”

Mark Moorhouse, chairman of Sandwich Chamber of Commerce, believes a large number of visitors will be attracted by the project.

He said: “A considerable number of visitors were attracted to Sandwich by the visit of The Matthew in 2012 so the chamber of commerce very much welcomes this ambitious maritime heritage initiative which we are sure will enhance tourism.”

The Matthew is a copy of the ship that discovered America on John Cabot’s Voyage of Discovery in 1497.

It arrived in Sandwich to mark the jubilee weekend in 2012 and was met with great enthusiasm from visitors.