A number of major opportunities emerged in the last two years, the response to which will shape the future development of Tate and its position in the world. A considerable amount of energy has therefore been deployed in developing the foundations on which these major projects will be established. Two deserve particular mention.
At Tate Modern substantial thought has been given to how to respond to the enormous critical success of the museum and the changes in practice that have emerged only five years after opening. This exercise coincided with discussions with Tate Modern’s neighbour EDF Energy – which still occupies a part of the former Bankside power station – leading to an agreement which gave Tate the opportunity to redevelop the remaining part of the site. Following a public competition, Trustees were delighted to reappoint architects Herzog & de Meuron to develop a scheme, which was submitted for planning permission in summer 2006.
Similarly, at Tate St Ives, work was undertaken to explore the possibility of extending the museum. The extraordinary popular success of Tate St Ives has been an increasing challenge, and we were pleased to see this recognised by Cornwall County Council and Penwith District Council with whom Tate has been working in partnership. The appointment of Jamie Fobert Architects in 2005 resulted in a brilliant proposal. At the time of writing its future is uncertain due to local opposition, some of it related to aspects over which Tate has no control, such as parking and congestion. Trustees remain hopeful that a solution can be found.
