Peel hopes to eventually attract £1bn in investment to transform the 26-acre site with a 1.9m sq ft scheme, known as Chatham Waters.

The plans include an office development, education facilities, an “EventCity”, hotel, supermarket, apartments and townhouses.

Peel took ownership of Chatham Docks in 2005 through a takeover of rival ports operator Mersey Docks.

Indigo Planning, the Traffic Transport & Highway Consultancy and 5 Plus Architects are advising Peel on the scheme.

At the public consultation last month, Peel showcased plans for the regeneration of the site and met with locals to gauge the public’s opinion.

The findings from the consultation revealed that 90% of those questioned were in support of the scheme and over 95% were assured it would give the area a huge boost.