Thanet District Council (TDC) has revealed a list of 'priority projects' to be carried out ahead of the 2011 launch of Margate's new Turner Contemporary gallery.

Decorative hoardings or screenings will be erected at the Fort Road Hotel and Arcadian sites as part of 10 schemes outlined in an action plan agreed by councillors on 23 September. Meanwhile, the council said it would continue to work with the sites' owners to try and progress rebuilding plans, although compulsory purchase order proceedings have commenced "as a back-up".

Other projects to be carried out include a "deep-clean" of the town's shopfronts and pavements and landscaping work to Margate station forecourt and car park. Kent-based contractor R Durtnell and Sons is on target to complete the £17.4m David Chipperfield-designed gallery next year, which is to feature 750sq m (8,072sq ft) of gallery space across two floors.

Exhibiting contemporary art and celebrating the town's connection with artist JMW Turner, the Turner Contemporary will also feature a multi-purpose space for screenings and an artist's studio. TDC cabinet member for environmental services Martin Wise said: "Anyone looking at Margate at the moment knows there is still work to do. With the opening of Turner Contemporary in just a few months' time, we're determined to tackle the key problem areas.

"It's easy to knock Margate, but that's not what the town needs right now. It needs everyone to come together and support it, as we approach the opening of Turner Contemporary." Image: The proposed new Turner Contemporary in Margate, designed by David Chipperfield