It’s human nature to sometimes look on the down side of things and hark back to a time when everything was better. But is this rose-tinted view of life really accurate?

Sheppey, we’re happy to say, is on the up with exciting developments and projects springing up all over the place. Here’s 10 reason to be optimistic about the Island.

1. Aldi distribution centre, off Thomsett Way, Queenborough

Work is due to start on this 43-acre site which will eventually provide around 400 jobs.

Far from being “low skilled” and “zero hours”, the positions will be multi-skilled with average pay being around £28,000.

The German supermarket giant believes in keeping workers happy as it aims to retain their services for decades.

The centre will be next to the booming Neats Court retail park where a Marstons pub is set to join existing stores.

2. Sheerness dockyard buildings

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Stuck behind the imposing wall, the Sheerness dockyard buildings have long been a mystery to most Islanders.

But multi-million pound restoration work is ongoing by the Spitalfields Trust with the aim of bringing the historic homes back into use.

Chatham Dockyard is regularly used as a backdrop for TV shows and movies. Mark our words, Sheerness docks could easily feature in a future Hollywood blockbuster.

History buffs should be really excited by the restoration of St Paul’s Church.

3. Sheppey United, Holm Park, St Peters Close, Halfway

Like a phoenix from the flames, the club has risen and its new facilities have to be seen to be believed.

While new floodlights allow for regular evening matches, its state-of-the-art pitch wouldn’t be out of place at a top-flight outfit.

Added to this is its revamped clubhouse and changing rooms and its ambitious owners with major plans for long-term success.

Watch this space, United are very much on the up and Islanders should get behind them.

4. Sheerness Town Team

Hit by the Great Recession and changing retail habits, the High Street had a difficult few years.

But with several committed members, the town team has lots of plans aimed at getting more people shopping locally.

There’s already been a number of events with exciting ideas for a Christmas spectacular currently being planned.

While Faversham might have a historic charm, there’s plenty of traders there who would like to have Sheerness’s footfall. It will take time, but the town centre is bouncing back.

5. The Beachfields Partnership, off Beach Street, Sheerness

It once boasted a funfair and boating pond, but Beachfields Park has experienced declining visitor numbers in recent times.

Although its play area remains popular with young families, there are ambitious plans afoot to make it a key venue for residents and visitors.

The partnership includes Swale council, Swale Community Leisure, Sheerness Enhancement Association for Leisure, Sheppey Matters, Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey, Canterbury College Swale Campus, the Sheerness Times Guardian, Sheppey Tourism Alliance and Seashells Children’s Centre.

6. The Port of Sheerness

Peel Ports revealed last year its 20-year masterplan to transform Sheerness Docks.

The proposals could see the creation of more than 1,000 jobs and the setting-up of a direct rail link to Liverpool.

The plan is made up of a number of ideas, including: reclaiming land off Garrison Point for a mixed-use development and marina; opening a heritage quarter within the docks; converting listed buildings for retail and leisure use and bringing part of the town’s derelict steelworks site into port use.

7. Big Local Eastern Sheppey

To many of its residents, the east end of the Island sometimes feels like the forgotten part of Sheppey.

But the people involved in the Big Local project have many ideas about boosting the area and supporting people living there. What’s more, they’ve got £1 million to help bring dreams to reality.

From fun activities to putting in benches in scenic spots, the group is already making a difference. No doubt there’s big things to come for Leysdown/Warden/Eastchurch.

8. All-tide landing, Queenborough Harbour

Don’t underestimate the effect this facility will have on the local economy.

Officially relaunched last month, the £100,000 landing, which consists of 1,200 planks of wood, offers a safe and accessible point for sailors from around the world to stop and visit.

Recent years have seen an increase in the number of visitors with the landing playing a key role in making Queenborough and Sheppey accessible.

There’s even talk of a rent-a-bike scheme so people can get out and exploring our sunshine isle.

9. Minster Leas, Minster

A shining jewel in Sheppey’s crown. What better way to spend a sunny day than strolling down here or going for a bike ride? Recent years have seen some major improvements.

The trim trail gym equipment allows people to have an outdoor workout, The Sweet Hut provides food and drink to visitors and the beach hut scheme has been massively successful with more of them planned.

It’s always spotlessly clean and offers fun for all the family.

10. Elmley Nature Reserve

A nationally-recognised wildlife haven of outstanding natural beauty. This area has recently started attracting so-called Hipsters – trendy folk from trendy London areas like Shoreditch and Hoxton.

Keen to go glamping – glamorous camping – these visitors could be the start of a major new tourist trade for the Island.

Away from that, the marshes offer stunning wildlife and a great escape away from modern stresses and pressures.