15- Kent County Council project development redevelopment community property developing News 070408

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Driving forward with transforming Margate

The site near where the Turner Contemporary gallery will stand is set for a facelift as work begins to improve Fort Hill and the surrounding area.
From this week (week commencing April 7), with the aim of improving the overall look of the area and to better connect the Rendez-vous site with the rest of the town, Kent Highway Services will be carrying out a number of improvements including new street lighting, safer and wider pedestrian areas and revised traffic signals at the Rendez vous junction. Fort Hill will then become a single carriageway.
Planning permission for the Turner Contemporary gallery was recently granted by Thanet District Council and work is due to begin later this year with an opening in 2010. Designed by 2007 RIBA Stirling Prize winner David Chipperfield Architects for Kent County Council, the gallery will be one of the largest of its kind in the South East. The design, which was influenced by the unique site and quality of light that inspired artist JMW Turner, will include six interconnecting spaces including exhibition galleries as well as an education space, café and shop. The gallery is a key element in the regeneration of Margate’s eastern seafront and in generating prosperity in an increasingly vibrant Old Town and it is central to the growth of the town’s cultural quarter.
During much of the work Fort Hill will be open to traffic as the uphill section will temporarily allow two-way traffic. However to complete the final resurfacing work, Fort Hill will be closed for between 3 and 5 days. It is hoped that permanent traffic lights will remain at the junction with the Rendez-vous junction in the evenings and weekends with temporary traffic signals used during the day.
Other roads in the area where improvement work will be taking place will need to be closed at different times but this is expected to be staggered with some roads reopening after each day’s work. The exact times and dates for each stage of work will be on signs in the area at least a week in advance and residents directly affected have been contacted by post.
KCC Lead Member for Highways Roger Manning said:
“Fort Hill has always been a dual carriageway to nowhere. This work will make a real difference to Margate creating improvements to the walkways and surrounding areas making them more pleasant for motorists and pedestrians.”
KCC Cabinet Member responsible for the Turner Contemporary project Mike Hill added:
“Improving the road network is just one of the many improvements that are planned for Margate. The work on Fort Hill will complement the site of the Turner Contemporary gallery and create a more attractive area for residents and those visiting the town.”