AN INTERNATIONALLY recognised firm of architects has been appointed to develop the design for the landmark Turner Contemporary in Margate.

David Chipperfield Architects, from London, has been given the go-ahead to wortk on the new ptoject.

The appointment process was by open tender and the winner was selected from a final shortlist of six architectural practices. The other design teams were Allford Hall Monaghan Morris LLP; Cheney Thorpe and Morrison; John McAslan and Partners; Patel Taylor and schmidt, hammer and lassen.

The final decision was made by Kent County Council following a recommendation from the selection panel which included key representatives from Arts Council England, KCC, South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), Tate, Thanet District Council, Turner Contemporary and the Turner Contemporary Development Trust.

David Chipperfield Architects will now work with the partners to create a new design for the gallery on the eastern side of the former car park site on Margate’s seafront.

The £15million Turner Contemporary project is part of regeneration work in the area. Other proposals include the renovation of the Winter Gardens to become a high profile concert and conference facility, a privately built and run hotel and overall transformation of the area. Designs will be on display in due course and Turner Contemporary will fully engage with the public throughout the process. The new building is planned to be completed in 2009.

KCC Leader Paul Carter said: “When the original plans were halted we made a promise to come back with a public meeting in eight weeks. We kept our promise and with the appointment of the architect on track we have shown we are totally committed to delivering this landmark building.”

KCC Cabinet Member for Communities Mike Hill said: “The standard of all six architects was exceptionally high and showed real appreciation of what we are hoping to achieve. I am delighted to be welcoming David Chipperfield Architects on board and look forward to working with them in the coming months to produce a design of which we can all be proud and which will bring real benefits to Thanet.”

A spokesman for David Chipperfield Architects added: “We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to design the gallery for Turner Contemporary. We look forward to contributing to this important cultural facility.”

Thanet council leader Sandy Ezekiel said: “To see this project moving forward so quickly is excellent news for the regeneration of Margate. Turner Contemporary is key to our plans for the town and we are delighted that it remains on track for a delivery date of 2009.”

Tate Director Sir Nicholas Serota said: “We were faced with a strong field from which to select and I am delighted that David Chipperfield Architects has been chosen.”

Arts Council England, South East Executive Director Felicity Harvest said: “Turner Contemporary has already established a strong regional presence through its extensive education and community outreach programmes over the last five years. This exciting new space will provide a base to develop this further, as well as extending JMW Turner's revolutionary vision to inspire new generations of contemporary artists.”

David Chipperfield Architects was established in 1984 and the practice currently has 130 staff at its offices in London and Berlin, with representative offices in Milan and Shanghai.

It has won over 20 national and international competitions and many international awards and citations for design excellence, including RIBA, RFAC and AIA awards, as well as the Andrea Palladio Prize.