Decision details

Decision:

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services to agree to:

1. The required works at Turner Contemporary Gallery and related activity, as detailed in the recommendations as set out within the decision report.

2. To delegate authority to the Director of Infrastructure, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services to take necessary actions, including but not limited to entering into contracts required to deliver the works.

Reason for the decision: The value of the works exceed £1 million and therefore a key decision is required.

Kent County Council (KCC) constructed a purpose-built gallery which was handed over to the Turner Trust in 2011. Under the term of the lease between KCC and the Trust, KCC are obliged to repair and maintain certain elements of the building including the external rainscreen cladding.

In 2020, KCC was successful in obtaining Arts Council funding of £759,514 to allow improvements to the Gallery, in recognition of its success as a visitor attraction and to allow the Gallery to accommodate numbers in excess of original projections. The improvement works, together with the outstanding repairs were tendered and contracted to a local Kent building contractor and were completed in 2021. Whilst the building works were completed a number of works identified and are required now to be completed in line with the Council’s obligations.

These works are funded within the allowances of the Medium-Term Financial Plan.