Issue details

Proposed decision –

The Deputy Leader to:

1. APPROVE the allocation of £1,055,196 to enable the necessary repairs, maintenance and improvement of the Turner Contemporary Gallery; and

2. DELEGATE authority to the Director of Infrastructure to take relevant actions, including but not limited to, negotiating, finalising and entering into required contracts and other legal agreements as necessary to implement the decision.

Reason for the decision

Kent County Council (KCC) are a strategic partner with Turner Contemporary Trust, who run and manage Turner Contemporary.  KCC maintain liabilities relating to the maintenance and upkeep the gallery. Under the terms of the lease KCC retain responsibility for elements of the building including external fabric and key elements of infrastructure.

It is important to maintain the gallery as a key asset to the county, it delivers significant value to KCC by acting as a catalyst for regeneration in the area of Margate, boosting tourism and local economic growth while helping to reduce deprivation in coastal communities.

A decision is required to enable KCC to enter into a contract which may exceed the key decision threshold.

It supports KCC’s priorities by creating jobs, attracting investment, enhancing education and skills through cultural programmes, and improving community wellbeing. At the same time, it strengthens Kent’s reputation as a cultural destination, helping secure further funding and supporting long-term, sustainable place-making.

Background

An Arts Council England Grant application was made in November 2025 seeking funding for essential maintenance works to the Gallery. The grant was part of the Creative Foundations Fund – a part of the government’s £127.8 million Arts Everywhere project.

As part of the application, a scope and budget costs analysis was required and to support the development of the scope, a contractor was appointed via the KCC Construction Partnership Framework. 

The application was successful and a grant of £865,000 has been agreed and formally accepted.

As part of the grant qualification requirements, KCC will need to contribute £50,000 to the project. The current scope has been produced based on investigations and condition survey information. It is anticipated that when further investigations are undertaken and construction works commences, further items, currently outside of scope may be revealed and therefore a contingency will also be required.

The total project funding will be specifically allocated to produce and meet the scope which includes essential maintenance and capital works to safeguard Turner Contemporary’s building and ensure it remains safe, accessible and operational.

Options (other options considered but discarded)

Do nothing – not to pursue the Arts Council England Grant application – dismissed.

Enter into the necessary contracts to complete the essential works - Enter into the contracts for essential maintenance and improvements to the gallery – recommended option.

How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement

Levelling up and reducing inequalities: Investment in maintaining the gallery supports the continued regeneration of Margate, a coastal area with higher deprivation, helping to improve economic prospects and community resilience.

Economic growth: Ensuring the building remains fit-for-purpose protects a major cultural asset that attracts visitors, sustains the local tourism economy, and supports businesses across East Kent.

Health and wellbeing: Keeping the gallery operational enables ongoing access to arts and cultural activities, which contribute to mental wellbeing, social inclusion, and stronger communities.

Education and skills: Maintenance safeguards a venue that delivers education programmes and creative learning opportunities aligned with KCC’s skills and aspiration objectives.

Sustainable infrastructure and place-making: As KCC retains responsibilities for elements of the building, maintaining it ensures a high-quality, safe, and sustainable public asset that underpins long-term regeneration

Financial Implications

An Arts Council England Grant application was made in November 2025 seeking funding for essential maintenance works to the Gallery.

The application was successful and a grant of £865,000 has been allocated for the works to gallery.

As part of the grant qualification requirements, KCC will need to contribute £50,000 to the project. The current scope has been produced based on investigations and condition survey information. It is anticipated that when further investigations are undertaken and construction works commences, further items, currently outside of scope may be revealed and therefore a contingency will also be required.

KCC’s contribution has been allocated within the Modernisation of Assets (MOA) budget.

The total project funding will be specifically allocated to produce and meet the scope which includes essential maintenance and capital works to safeguard Turner Contemporary’s building and ensure it remains safe, accessible and operational.