Art centre test obelisk tips over

The obelisk fell down after just two days in Margate Harbour

A steel obelisk has fallen down just two days after being installed at the site of the proposed new Turner Contemporary in Margate harbour.

The 6m high object was a test structure for the centre due to open in 2007.

An attempt to lift the obelisk into place on Friday was hampered by high winds but engineers installed it on Saturday alongside the harbour wall.

The aim was to see how materials to be used in the £25m Turner Contemporary would withstand the elements.

The structure was specially made by shipbuilders Harland and Wolff and is a "mock up" of the skin of the gallery building.

The proposed Turner Contemporary, on the pier and in the sea, will house three floors of galleries, a restaurant and a shop.

Three companies are currently bidding for the contract to construct the building, which will house works by JMW Turner and also feature a gallery for contemporary artists.

Exhibition spaces will rise from the sea bed, while the entrance, cafe and administration areas will be built on the stone pier.