Building a multi-million pound art gallery on Margate’s seafront was always going to be controversial. Critics questioned the need, the cost – and the architecture. But two years later, Turner Contemporary has become one of the county’s most successful visitor attractions. Kathryn Tye reports.

“It has been an amazing couple of years,” says Turner Contemporary director Victoria Pomery. She has been working on the project since 2002, so the gallery’s second anniversary is a particularly special milestone.

“I was here before the building was opened, and it took a long time, but all the hard work we put in during those early years has paid off.” The £17 million gallery in Margate was opened on April 16, 2011, by artist Tracey Emin and musician Jools Holland. The building, designed by Sir David Chipperfield, has welcomed more than 850,000 visitors through its doors in the past two years.

Victoria puts Turner Contemporary’s success down to the quality and diversity of its programmes.

“We are a world class gallery. During the past two years our exhibits have included a huge show of Turner’s work and Rodin’s sculpture The Kiss, and we also had Tracey Emin’s new exhibition last summer. But we also offer diverse learning programmes and workshops aimed at all ages, and arrange dance, music and other performances in the gallery space.

“It is much more than just a set of exhibitions. It is a vibrant place where we hope to bring people together.”

And the gallery’s cultural excellence has also been a catalyst for regeneration in Thanet.

Victoria says: “Margate is among the top 10 destinations in the Rough Guide this year and that’s really down to Turner Contemporary being here. The town has changed incredibly since we opened, with a lot of new businesses in the Old Town in spite of the recession. We estimate that we have put back £21m into the local economy during the past two years, not only by employing staff, but from people visiting, staying in local hotels and spending in local businesses.”

It has just received its own financial boost, with a £530,000 donation from charitable organisation Goldman Sachs Gives, which will be used to help sustain the gallery.

Victoria, who lives in Thanet, said: “People were very sceptical about the idea of the Turner Contemporary, but hopefully we have shown that things do happen.

“I would urge anyone who has not been to see the gallery yet, to come along. It’s free and you don’t have to have any previous knowledge of art. You don’t even have to like what you see. It is about opening one’s mind to seeing and experiencing new things. You just have to be able to look and think.”

The gallery is open from 10am to 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Monday. Admission is free. Call 01843 233000.