Agenda item

(1)       The Committee received a report presented by Mr Round and Mr MacKenney which outlined the expected regeneration impact of Turner Contemporary.  The report covered issues around Margate’s regeneration, the Eastern Seafront Proposal, strengthening the cultural strategy, new jobs, businesses and confidence, strengthening education, community and civic pride, and Turner Contemporary and wider development.

(2)       Members then asked questions which included the following:

·        The question of access by train and parking for visitors by car was raised.  Officers confirmed that work was underway with partners who were all very well aware of the issues of parking.  They were considering this in relation to all of the attractions and developments as well as Turner Contemporary.  A survey of parking spaces had been carried out which showed that there were always a significant number of spaces available in Margate.  It was important to ensure adequate signage existed to direct people to these car parks and also to ensure that the quality of the spaces was such that people wished to use them.   It was suggested by Members that maybe there could be a Park & Ride type service introduced.

·        Members were reassured that as part of the planning permission for the 165 units and the 4-star hotel there will be a requirement for adequate parking to be available on site.

          ·     It was confirmed that there was not a proposal to establish a connection with the Turner prize.  However there is a close relationship with the Tate who have a large number of Turner paintings, which will be important in ensuring that there will be a constant Turner presence in the gallery.

          ·     Reassurance was sought that there would be adequate national publicity for Turner Contemporary and, in particular, that efforts would be made to ensure that those whose voice was influential in the art world were onboard.  It was confirmed that a major piece of work had been commissioned to look at a publicity strategy which would detail and address the issues raised. 

          ·     Members hoped that there would be an opportunity for Arts and Education for the local community arising out of Turner Contemporary and this was confirmed.

          ·     It was confirmed that the building would be of a good environmental standard.

          ·     A further assurance was sought that as far as possible labour for constructing the building would come from the local community.  It was confirmed that although it was not possible to formally get the contractor to impose a quota of local workers, work would be done with the contractor to encourage him to use as much local labour as possible.

          ·     The importance of Turner Contemporary to the regeneration of the whole of East Kent was emphasised.  It was acknowledged that the regeneration and economic impact would be wider than Margate. 

·        A Member raised the issue of the importance of ensuring the sustainability of Turner Contemporary as an attraction and to encourage people to visit more than once.  In response to this Officers stated that the key was to ensure constantly changing exhibitions of extremely high quality.  They were aiming for people to visit at least two or three times a year but this would be dependant upon the exhibitions.

·        In response to a question about advertising and promotion, Officers stated that they believed that they had a budget which compared well with other galleries.

·        Members were reminded that “Visit Kent” now had a co-ordinating role in relation to tourism and included an effective booking system.  (Mr Long declared an interest as a Director of Visit Kent and took part in the discussions).

(3)       In conclusion officers referred to the report where it was stated that Turner Contemporary and the major associated developments would clearly have a considerable catalytic effect on the regeneration of Margate.  Developments on the eastern seafront would have a huge impact on the town’s image and tourism offer and would lead to significant jobs.  Key aspects in addition to Turner Contemporary and the associated developments would be the  Dreamland Heritage Theme Park and the recognition of the old town as a creative quarter.  Together these would help Margate’s future economy and social prosperity.

(4)       RESOLVED that the report and comments made by Members be noted.