Tate Modern turns to FTB’s Grant in bid for new premises licence

Gary Grant of Francis Taylor Building has acted for the Tate Modern on its successful application for a new and extended premises licence.

An extension project at the world’s most visited modern art museum meant it was necessary to apply for a new premises licence to cover both the old and new parts of the building.

The project included the creation of a public walkway through the building, two new public squares to the south and west of the building, a new ten-storey building (known as the “Switch House”) to the south of the existing gallery, and two live performance art spaces in two giant former oil tanks.

Gallery space will be increased by 60%. The maximum capacity of the museum will rise from 7,500 to 12,500 people.

However, the museum is within one of Southwark’s cumulative impact areas and the primary responsible authorities all made representations objecting to the grant of the application in its original state on grounds that included the potential impact on nearby residents.

According to Grant, who was instructed by Andrew Wong of Gordon Dadds Solicitors and Sarah Bailey, Tate’s Head of Legal, extensive and constructive engagement between the Tate and the responsible authorities led to agreements being reached that substantially limited the issues to be decided at the hearing of the application before Southwark’s licensing sub-committee on 10 April 2016.

At that hearing the Tate Modern was granted a premises licence, in line with its submissions, that included all licensable activities. The Tate is now permitted  to open to extended hours from 07:00 until 01:00 all week, with provision for up to 15 special events when the premises can open until 03:00.

The new extension will be formally opened to the public on 17 June 2016.