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

A new architect has been appointed to design Margate鈥檚 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 拢50m design by Snohetta and Spence was dropped by Kent County Council which has now placed a 拢15m limit on the building.

The original plans would have seen the gallery stretching out into the sea. Chipperfield鈥檚 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: 鈥淭o see this project moving forward so quickly is excellent news for the regeneration for Margate,鈥�

KCC leader Paul Carter continued: 鈥淲ith the appointment of the architect on track we have shown we are totally committed to delivering this landmark building鈥�

The programme aims to reach completion in 2009.