Design & Build
Next stage for Turner Contemporary 14 October 2008
View from Main Sands. Image by Imaging Atelier
Kent County Council has chosen R Durtnell and Sons Limited as the preferred contractor to build the Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate.
The oldest building company in the UK which has been trading continuously for 400 years has traditionally worked in London and the southern counties and operates from a head office in Brasted, near Sevenoaks in Kent and from a regional office in Farnborough, Hampshire.
The company has wide experience in all types of private and publicly funded building contracts, and in addition to new building projects, has experience in the specialist restoration and renovation of historic buildings. Customers have included private clients, public companies, local authorities, The National Trust, hospitals, churches, schools and universities.
The company was selected through a formal tendering process and will begin work to create the landmark building designed by David Chipperfield Architects.
A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at the end of November 2008 to mark the start of the building work on site at the former Rendezvous car park on Margate's seafront.
Kent County Council has also been developing ideas for the adjoining Rendezvous site and considering a range of options with the aim of securing a new development partner in the future to bring additional regeneration to the town and the area as a whole.
KCC Cabinet Member for Communities Mike Hill said:
"It is a pleasure to welcome R Durtnell and Sons to the Turner Contemporary gallery project. Working with this team, which includes renowned architect David Chipperfield Architects, Thanet District Council, Arts Council England, South East and SEEDA, shows how important this development is to so many people, to regenerating Margate and providing a first class gallery in the South East. "
Director of Arts at Arts Council England, South East Sally Abbott said:
"This is an exciting step in the journey to creating a world class art gallery in Kent. Our ongoing support for Turner Contemporary through this flagship capital project and its excellent artistic programme represents a critical milestone in the development of a cultural offer for the people of Kent and beyond."
Chief Executive of SEEDA and Chair of the Margate Renewal Partnership Pam Alexander:
"SEEDA is proud to be involved with the Turner Contemporary Gallery and the regeneration of Margate town centre. The gallery will be world-class and will provide a lasting cultural legacy for the people of Margate as well as an international attraction."