"Transforming Tate Britain" - Multi-£m revamp set to go ahead

Published: 09 July 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM

THE Tate Britain is set for a multi-million pound revamp, writes Jamie Welham.

The refurbishment will see the creation of a new schools’ reception area, a café and a special area for members on the Millbank side of the gallery.

It is the first phase of improvements the Tate has called “Transforming Tate Britain”.

Natural light will also be reintroduced to the south-east quadrant galleries and two new staircases will be fitted to join up parts of the gallery.

Architects Caruso St John will oversee the project, which was signed off by members of Westminster Council’s planning committee last week.

Councillor Alastair Moss, chairman of the committee, said: “Westminster is renowned for its many famous and prestigious cultural organisations and buildings and we are keen that we continue to encourage the arts here.

“In Westminster our aim is to foster world class galleries and we feel that these improvements will  make sure that the 

Tate continues to be a global success.

“These plans will enhance this Grade II-star listed building, and improve an already successful and internationally renowned gallery, making it even better for people who want to visit it.”

The building has grown in fits and starts over 110 years of bolt-ons and alterations. 

It stands on the site of the former Millbank prison which was demolished in 1892.

Henry Tate donated his collection to the nation in 1889, and with nowhere to put it, the building opened in 1897.