One of Kent’s landmark tourist attractions is receiving £865,000 funding to carry out “essential maintenance” and repairs.
The Turner Contemporary art gallery, which cost £17.5 million to build on Margate seafront, turns 15 years old this year.
The Turner Contemporary has been awarded government funding for maintenance works
Arts Council England has given it the sum to Kent County Council (KCC) from its Creative Foundations Fund – part of the government’s £127.8 million Arts Everywhere project.
Funding has also been given to various creative venues, museums and libraries around the country.
The money will be used to fix essential systems such as roof access and protection for maintenance work, renewing lightning protection, and ensuring fire escape doors function properly.
Upgrades to the mechanical and electrical systems will also be carried out.
KCC also wants to enhance the gallery “to meet international exhibition standards”, improve accessibility with step-free access and install solar panels with the cash.
Further details about the exact works required for the building have not been confirmed and KentOnline has requested more details from KCC.
The Turner Contemporary was opened in 2011
It comes just over three years after a £1.6 million restoration scheme to repair the glass exterior and boost the building’s fire protection to the latest standards.
KCC helped fund the Turner build and subsidises some of its annual operation costs.
The council says the funding is “specifically allocated for essential maintenance and capital works to safeguard Turner Contemporary’s building and ensure it remains safe, accessible and operational well into the future”.
It added that this will “help protect the gallery’s infrastructure”.
Georgia Foster (Ref), KCC cabinet member for communities and regulatory services, said: “The Turner Contemporary plays a vital role in Kent.
“Through its world‑class exhibitions, it brings people together, inspires creativity and supports wellbeing at every stage of life. It also plays a key role in underpinning the regeneration of our coastal communities.
The Turner Contemporary will get solar panels, improved access, and better exhibition spaces
“This funding is about protecting an important public asset and making sure it continues to serve residents long into the future.
“I welcome this investment, which will help ensure people can continue to access high‑quality arts and cultural experiences, without placing additional pressures on local budgets later on.”
Clarrie Wallis, director of the Turner Contemporary, added: “Turner Contemporary is deeply grateful to receive this support from Arts Council England’s Creative Foundations Fund in the very week we celebrate our 15th anniversary.
“Since opening, the gallery has welcomed five million visitors and generated over £100 million for the local economy. This grant has been awarded to enable essential maintenance to the building.”