Agenda item

Tony Witton (Culture and Creative Economy Manager) was in attendance for this item.

1. Mrs Hohler (Deputy Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services) introduced the report that set out the plan to reconfigure and update Turner Contemporary and the Rendezvous site in Margate. Mrs Hohler commended Turner Contemporary as a major cultural asset in Kent and noted its success in attracting significantly higher than expected visitor numbers since it opened. However, the building required a programme of capital works to maintain a high-quality visitor offer and generate increased revenue which would enable the organisation to work towards sustainability. Mrs Hohler welcomed Members comments and sought their approval for endorsement.

2. Officers responded to comments and questions as follows:

(a)  Mr Witton assured Members that Kent County Council already assisted the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Margate Lifeboat Station (RNLI) with the movement of their vessels from the shared parking vicinity through the use of road markings and double yellow lines. Additional measures had also been proposed which included the introduction of traffic light controls at the entrance and exit of the water ramps. With regard to paid parking, Mr Witton noted that discussions were ongoing with RNLI to determine the best way to manage the site and parking enforcements. Similar discussions had also taken place with the Yacht Club.

(b)  With regard to the promotion of Kent County Council, Mr Witton informed the Committee that the Council logo was visible on the exterior and interior of the building and Kent County Council continued to build a strong presence within the gallery through the art exhibitions. In particular the Turner Prize attracted a worldwide audience and ensured high visibility for Kent County Council.

(c)   In response to concerns regarding the projected cost and timescale for completion, Mr Witton confirmed that the project would be delivered in two phases. The first phase was due to start in January 2020, and the second phase (as referred to in the report) was due to start in September 2020. Kent County Council had worked in conjunction with specialist Consultants and Quantity Surveyors over the course of two years to develop a robust plan which provided best value for each element of work required. Mr Witton noted that the challenge was around delivering a high-quality finish to a pre-existing building to ensure consistency throughout the gallery. The £2m project would provide Turner Contemporary with a number of improvements, including additional toilets and a finishing kitchen which would enhance the catering offer at the gallery to include conference and private venue hire.

3. It was RESOLVED that the proposed decision (19/00060) to be taken by the Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services to:

(a)  Enter into and or vary legal agreements including, but not limited to, a Memorandum of Understanding and Collaboration Agreement with Turner Contemporary, RNLI, Margate Yacht Club, Arts Council England and any other stakeholders as required,

(b)  Authorise the Director of Infrastructure to enter into all necessary legal agreements for the delivery and the construction and land related matters of the project; and

(c)   Proceed with the project subject to KCC’s VAT partial liability exemption position not being breached or in breach,

be endorsed.