The oldest construction company in the country has been chosen to build the £8.1 million Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate.
Kent County Council picked the 400-year-old R Durtnell and Sons, which is based in Brasted near Sevenoaks, because of its wide-ranging experience with new projects and specialist restoration and renovation works.
A ‘groundbreaking’ ceremony will be held at the end of next month to mark the start of the project at the former Rendezvous car park on the town’s seafront, which is due to be completed in 2010, KCC said.
The gallery will celebrate the coastal resort’s links with the great artist and promote contemporary art.
It will be sited near the guesthouse where JMW Turner stayed when visiting the town.
Cllr Mike Hill, KCC’s member for communities, 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, 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.”
He said KCC was developing regeneration ideas for the surrounding area.
Sally Abbott, director of arts at the Arts Council in the south east, added: “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.”
POSTED: 15/10/2008 08:15:00
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