A series of exhibitions outlining an ambitious masterplan for Sheerness Dockyard attracted more than 60 visitors.

The three presentations were held at Sheppey Gateway in the High Street as part of a six-week public consultation on the proposal.

Representatives from Peel Ports, the dockyard owners behind the 20-year plan, attended to advise people on the finer details of the scheme.

The opening exhibition on Thursday revealed a set of proposals which include a marina off Garrison Point and a direct rail link between Sheerness and Liverpool.

Miles Hearn, Peel Ports director at Sheerness, who attended the presentation, said the company was “keen to collaborate” with Islanders on the issue.

He said: “The public consultation events have been an excellent way for us to do this and we have had a really positive turnout from local residents and businesses so far, all of whom are keen to hear more about what we have planned.”

Mr Hearn said the masterplan reflected Peel Ports’ long-term commitment to Sheppey and Swale as a “key employer”.

“We welcome any feedback and contributions which improve the future economic prosperity of Sheerness and the wider area,” he said.

The public consultation is due to end on Wednesday, December 17.

Other highlights include plans for a heritage quarter within the docks, converting listed buildings for retail and leisure use.

The applicants have also outlined a scheme to bring part of the town’s derelict steelworks site into port use.

If given the go ahead, it’s estimated the masterplan would create 1.250 jobs by 2034.

MP Gordon Henderson welcomed the proposal, saying it could be the answer to Sheppey’s long-standing unemployment problem.

However, sceptics have also voiced their opinions. One visitor to KentOnline wrote: “People on the Island want and need jobs now, not when they are just about to retire.”

Another commented: “If Gordon Henderson believes everything that he is told, then he is living in Cloud Cuckoo Land.

“These people will promise anything to get people’s hopes up, only to be let down in the short and long-term.”