Minimalist architect taken on by Kent County Council after previous £50m plans were scrapped

A new architect has been appointed to design Margate’s high profile Turner Contemporary art gallery after previous plans were scrapped.

David Chipperfield Architects was picked ahead of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris LLP, Cheney Thorpe and Morrison, John McAslan and Partners, Peter Taylor and Schmidt, Hammer and Lassen.

The original £50m design by Snohetta and Spence was dropped by Kent County Council which has now placed a £15m limit on the building.

The original plans would have seen the gallery stretching out into the sea. Chipperfield’s proposal includes a hotel and a revamp and refit of the ageing Winter Gardens to include a concert hall and a conference facility.

Thanet District Council leader Sandy Ezekiel said: “To see this project moving forward so quickly is excellent news for the regeneration for Margate,”

KCC leader Paul Carter continued: “With the appointment of the architect on track we have shown we are totally committed to delivering this landmark building”

The programme aims to reach completion in 2009.