Published: Friday, 15th May 2026
From Monday, 18 May 2026, the reception desk at our Gun Wharf office (Dock Road, Chatham) will be closed to the general public whilst improvement works take place.
The Grade II listed building, built in the 1970s, will benefit from a number of improvements including improved energy performance and a redesigned main reception entrance, creating a welcoming space for visitors. The improvement project follows on from essential maintenance work which has been carried out after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was discovered in the roof of Gun Wharf in October 2023.
All council services will continue to run as normal during the works. Many of our services will be run out of other council sites – such as libraries – and arrangements have been put in place for council staff to work from other buildings, whilst a small number of council staff will continue to work from Gun Wharf during the works. Hybrid working has proven to be effective for many of our staff since the pandemic.
To minimise the disruption, the refurbishment works are planned to be carried out in two sections, with many staff able to return to Gun Wharf between the end of 2026 and early 2027, and the final works completed by September 2027.
Residents will continue to receive the same excellent support from council staff and services, and will still be able to visit Medway’s six community hubs for face-to-face support for a wide range of matters. Lots of services and support options are also available online through our website.
During the works, bookable appointments will be available at the following venues from Monday, 18 May.
For Adult Social Care appointments
Office appointments will take place at the Compass Centre. These must be pre-booked in advance by calling 01634 334 466 (no walk-ins). For those who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind, drop-in sessions will take place at the Compass Centre every Tuesday between 1pm and 4.30pm. The address is: Compass Centre, Chatham Maritime, Chatham, ME4 4YG.
For homeslessness services
If you are experiencing or concerned about homelessness, you can book a housing appointment at Kingsley House. You can book an appointment with the team by calling directly, or attend our office in-person to arrange an appointment.
To do this please phone 01634 333 600 (freephone 0808 1641 444).
Alternatively attend in-person at: Kingsley House, 37-39 Balmoral Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 4NT
Office opening times are 10am until 2.30pm Monday – Friday. Please note due to high demand there may not be available appointments on the day.
For Medway Family Court appointments
Please go to the HMCTS main entrance by walking along the front of the Gun Wharf building and through the set of black painted gates. For visitors with mobility ill-health, please use the lift. At the bottom of the lift, head towards the Family Courts entrance. For all other visitors, walk down the steps, and round the path towards the Family Courts entrance. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.