Is a glass facade really appropriate for a harsh marine environment?
Arup Facades is working on the facade development. It is not actually fixed yet, but we know it will be some kind of glass. The glass is to do with the light. It operates almost like a light box — it shimmers and takes in light. The idea is that it will be a milky opaque glass that won’t show sea salt stains. I’m not sure whether it will be treated, I don’t think that’s been developed yet. The roof will be zinc and the windows will have metal frames. As well as the gallery, part of the seafront is to be redeveloped. Can this regenerate Margate in the same way the Tate has regenerated St Ives? Margate has some of the most deprived wards in the South-east. Lots of things can help turn a town around, it’s not just about new buildings. Our commitment to working with the community, as well as our education and training remit, are very important. Other projects in the next 10-20 years will also help to move things forward, including plans for the Dreamland site and the lido, the government’s
