THE latest designs for the £17 million Turner Contemporary gallery at Margate harbour were this evening revealed at the town’s Theatre Royal by award-winning architect David Chipperfield, who recently received the RIBA Stirling Prize for architecture.

Since the designs were unveiled in June, the design team has been working closely with Kent County Council and other clients as well as taking on comments that were raised by members of the public.

The blueprint for the building has evolved considerably and now comprises six rectangular interlocking forms.

Speaking about the latest design, Mr Chipperfield said: "I’m confident that this will be a fantastic gallery. I have developed the design following the public meeting in June and am very happy that it fits into the dramatic setting and connects with Margate."

Mike Hill, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Communities, said of the latest design: "We are all incredibly excited about how the architects have responded to the many challenges and opportunities of this unique location to create such a stunning design."

The final plans will be submitted for planning permission by the end of the year and the gallery is scheduled to open in 2010.

A briefing document issued by Turner Contemporary says: "Positioned on a plinth and on two floors rather than three, the building retains a strong sculptural presence on the site. The roofline has been changed to reflect more closely other architecture in Margate and enables northern light to be brought into all the gallery spaces at the first floor level. In addition the choice of white opaque glass as the cladding material has been influenced by the nature of the building, site and light.

"Visitors will experience a certain element of surprise and drama when moving through the building. There will be some panoramic views out to sea as well as the opportunity to view the town and the bay from the café on the ground floor.

"A spectacular double height space in the gallery on the ground floor will serve to showcase new commissions. A large, multi-function space on the ground floor, with an external terrace, will allow a wide range of events and activities to take place as part of the gallery’s programme.

"The first floor will house all the gallery spaces including the young people’s gallery and a studio space for use by groups including schools. This floor will also feature a balcony that cantilevers out over the ground floor gallery and allows spectacular views out to sea.

"Back of house space including offices, storage and workshop have been placed on both floors. These areas will not be accessible to members of the public but are critical for the smooth operation of the gallery."