Council to sue over gallery costs

The Norwegian design was abandoned in 2006

A county council is taking legal action against the architects of an art gallery design that was abandoned when costs spiralled to nearly £50m.

The Turner Contemporary Gallery was to have been a steel structure in the sea next to the old pier at Margate, Kent but the design was scrapped in 2006.

Now Kent County Council (KCC) has said it is to sue the Norwegian architects for the £5.9m spent on the scheme.

It said it hoped litigation would lead to an agreed settlement.

The original 2001 estimate for the Turner Contemporary was £7m but the project became embroiled in controversy when costs began to rise.

'Attract visitors'

David Chipperfield was appointed to submit a new design on land at the Rendezvous site at Fort Hill.

Planning permission was granted for the £17.5m two-storey building, which will be clad in white opaque glass, in February.

The new site is where 19th Century artist JMW Turner stayed on his visits to Margate.

"The original design was considered a landmark and one which would help regenerate Margate by attracting numerous visitors from across the world," said KCC cabinet member Mike Hill.

"It was always very ambitious and it later transpired that the cost of completing the project would be well in excess of the budget.

"It was disappointing that it could not be continued, however it is important that we remain determined in taking the appropriate action to recoup the costs.

"I hope an amicable settlement can be reached as swiftly as possible."