Sir Terry Farrell, the world-renowned British architect who played a pivotal role in transforming several Kent coastal towns and is best known for designing London's iconic MI6 building, has died at the age of 87. The influential architect passed away on September 28, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of architectural achievements and urban regeneration projects that helped revitalize communities across Kent.
Farrell had a particularly profound influence on the towns of Margate and Folkestone, two coastal communities that were not considered fashionable destinations at the time of his involvement. His visionary approach to urban planning and commitment to heritage preservation helped spark significant regeneration efforts that continue to benefit these communities today.
In Margate, Farrell's impact began in 1999 when his firm published the comprehensive Margate Old Town masterplan. This ambitious project included proposals for a £10 million arts complex and detailed plans for the construction of what would become the Turner Centre art gallery. Two years later, in 2001, he collaborated with the Kent Architecture Centre to launch a design competition for the new Turner Contemporary, which eventually opened its doors to the public in 2011.
One of Farrell's most strategic decisions in Margate was his recommendation to erect buildings on the former Rendezvous site, positioning them so the Turner Contemporary would be immediately visible to visitors arriving at Margate Station. This thoughtful placement ensured maximum visibility and accessibility for the cultural venue. Additionally, Farrell managed the extensive refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Droit House and The Drum building behind it, a project that was widely celebrated as a symbol of confidence in Margate's future.
The Turner Contemporary project provided an early and powerful statement of intent for the town's broader regeneration efforts. Farrell's work helped establish the cultural foundation that would later support other major developments, including the relaunch of Dreamland amusement park and the cultural revival that has transformed Margate into a thriving arts destination.
In Folkestone, Sir Terry was appointed by the Folkestone Harbour and Seafront Development Company to create a comprehensive masterplan for the harbor area. His innovative outline scheme, which received approval in 2013, proposed the development of new residential units, retail spaces, and public areas on the historic waterfront site. This masterplan created the essential framework for the complete redevelopment of the harbor arm, which has since become one of Kent's most popular and frequently visited tourist attractions.
The Folkestone project involved the strategic demolition of several derelict buildings, including the old pilot tower, which opened up the promenade and restored public access to the waterfront for the first time in decades. Farrell's involvement in the Folkestone project was viewed locally as a major vote of confidence in the town's ambitious plans to reinvent itself as a premier cultural destination.
Farrell's influence extended beyond the coastal towns to Ashford, where he was appointed as the town's design champion in 2010 as part of an ambitious £2.5 billion regeneration program. In this role, he explained that his mission was to "articulate what's going on in Ashford, elevate people's understanding and promote good design." He was hired by Ashford's Future, a development company tasked with investing the substantial sum into the town's transformation, initially on a six-month contract that reflected the scope of the undertaking.
Among his innovative ideas for Ashford were proposals for a Station Quarter and Commercial Quarter that would create distinct but connected areas of development. Sir Terry was also consulted by Kent County Council regarding wider regional regeneration plans and was linked to early discussions about a proposed Thames Estuary airport, though officials later downplayed this connection.
Throughout his career, Farrell consistently argued for heritage preservation and local character to be central considerations in all planning decisions. His influential 2014 "Farrell Review of Architecture and the Built Environment" called for increased community involvement in development processes and greater respect for historic settings. This comprehensive report was adopted and referenced by councils across Kent County as they worked to manage rapid growth while preserving the region's distinctive character.
Born in Cheshire in 1938, Sir Terry studied architecture at Newcastle University before gaining international experience working in the United States and Hong Kong. He returned to Britain in the 1960s and quickly established himself as one of the country's most high-profile and respected architects. His most famous buildings include the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) headquarters, Embankment Place constructed above Charing Cross Station, and the distinctive TV-am studios in Camden.
Farrell's international reputation led to commissions for master planning projects in major cities around the world, including Seoul, South Korea, and Beijing, China. His global perspective and experience with diverse urban challenges informed his approach to regeneration projects in Kent and throughout the United Kingdom.
Sir Terry's contributions to architecture and urban planning were formally recognized when he was knighted in 2001, following his appointment as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1996. These honors reflected not only his individual achievements but also his broader impact on British architecture and urban development.
Sir Terry Farrell is survived by five children. His death marks the end of an era for British architecture, but his transformative work in Kent's coastal communities will continue to benefit residents and visitors for generations to come. The cultural renaissance he helped initiate in towns like Margate and Folkestone stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful architectural intervention and community-focused design.
