A trust is being set up to take over the ambitious project to create and run the proposed £17.5million Turner Contemporary centre at Margate harbour.

John Kampfner, former editor of the New Statesman and an award-winning journalist and broadcaster, has been appointed chairman of the Turner Contemporary Operating Trust.

His appointment to the part-time non-executive position, announced by Kent County Council, is the first step in establishing the Margate-based visual arts organisation as an independent charitable trust.

He will begin recruiting the full board and overseeing the transfer of operations from Kent County Council to the trust.

This will take place alongside work on the new £17.4m gallery for Turner Contemporary, designed by 2007 RIBA Stirling Prize winner David Chipperfield Architects, which is scheduled to begin in October with a completion date in 2010.

Mr Kampfner said: “Turner Contemporary will be one of the most exciting arts projects in the UK, and I am thrilled to be taking up this new challenge.”

Mike Hill, KCC cabinet member for community services, said: “This appointment is a milestone for Turner Contemporary and we are confident of its future under John’s leadership.”