A bold new vision for an under-threat docks which would create more than 1,000 jobs has been unveiled.

Plans to retain Chatham Docks as a working site are an alternative to multi-million pound proposals for thousands of homes.

Landowners Peel L&P want to build 3,625 properties over the coming decades and are currently consulting on its own plans, which include a number of potential commercial developments.

An event showcasing a masterplan for keeping the docks open was hosted by Kelly Tolhurst in Westminster yesterday – days after a fire broke out at the docks at a warehouse belonging to Chatham Frieght.

The Rochester and Strood MP said: "I'm supporting an alternative vision because we have got a really special piece of infrastructure which is currently delivers growth.

"I want to see Chatham Docks improved and invested in, in order to create our levelling up agenda, but also creating further employment and further economic development for the Towns.

"I believe the maritime sector, using that wonderful piece of infrastructure, can deliver for local people."

The preliminary plans centre around how the docks could be developed in order to retain the 800 jobs on the site, as well as add another 1,635 manufacturing positions.

Peel L&P previously said it believes there are between 350 and 370 jobs on site. It also says the leases for most of the businesses are due to run out in 2025, which is when it wants to shut down.

The company wants to close the docks because it says £30 million is needed to replace its lock gates, which is not financially viable.

During the event – which was attended by some Medway councillors as well as docks-based businesses – the plans were laid out by architect Trevor Morriss, of SPPARC.

It has been working with docks-based ArcelorMittal Kent Wire for the last six months to develop the plans.

The top company is also involved in £1 billion plans to redevelop London's Olympia exhibition centre.

The proposals for the docks include delivering 97,330 square metres of industrial space, adding to the activities on the site which at the moment only take up a quarter of the land.

A public 'green buffer zone' connecting St Mary's Island with the docks would also be created, as well as a walkway around the site linking the estate to Chatham Waters, which includes Asda.

Port facilities including the upgrade of the lock gates and development of new piers are also included in the plans.

ArcelorMittal Kent Wire chief executive Phil Taylor said: "It would be nonsense to shut the docks down and have houses built there, when it's such a thriving, vibrant operation already.

"The key for us is Medway Council; we want them to maintain the planning policies that fully protect Chatham Docks."

Currently, the authority designates the land as employment only through its 2003 Local Plan.

However, draft documents published by the authority last September for their next Local Plan demonstrated the council's wish to re-allocate the land to a mixed use of employment and housing which stoked criticism from residents and politicians alike.

Mr Taylor added: "For the masterplan that we have presented today, the funding would come in stages.

"ArcelorMittal have made it clear the funding would be available, so Arcelor being the largest steel company in the world, funding would not be a problem for us.

"We have got one chance now to save what is left of Chatham Docks. If it is not saved now, it's gone forever."

For further information, go to savechathamdocks.co.uk

A series of road shows to explain the plan to residents are planned over the coming weeks.