by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Turner Contemporary, one year old today, has contributed £13.8 million to the Kent economy, according to research.

Impact data from experts Morris, Hargreaves, McIntyre and Five Lines found that visitors spent £6.2m at the Margate gallery and surrounding area. They value local, national and international media coverage at £7.6m.

The gallery is also said to have generated and supported 128 new jobs - 49 at the attraction and 79 elsewhere.

Some 495,000 people visited the gallery, three times the original forecast of 156,000, and including 20,000 who had never visited a gallery before.

Turner came third after Canterbury Cathedral (1.03m) and Leeds Castle (560,000) as the county’s most visited tourism attraction.

Turner Contemporary director Victoria Pomery said: "There is a real, tangible change in the area of Margate around the gallery, with more than 35 new businesses opening in the Old Town and Lower High Street.

"Shops have reported doubling of takings and estate agents a surge in people looking to buy property in the town."

She added: "It’s been a hugely exciting year for all at Turner Contemporary and for Margate. We anticipate that our second year will be just as phenomenal. Our programme is set to challenge, inspire and delight."