Firstsite director Kath Wood has announced she is leaving Colchester’s multi-million pound new art gallery.

She said she was stepping down from her role in June to take a brief break before pursuing other projects.

Ms Wood said: “It was a pretty tough decision to make, but it’s the right time for the business and the right time for me.

“I’ve been here a long time, 18 years in all. That’s a lot longer than most directors in our industry. I think the norm for a project such as this is ten years.”

Kath explained one of the other reasons for leaving now was that the organisation had just finished negotiating its next cycle of funding, enabling them to plan up to 2016.

“We have our plans in place for the next few years and with the business and the building on a firm footing, I think it’s time for someone else to come in and put their mark on the place.”

The idea Colchester would be worthy of a Tate Modern-style arts centre was First raised in 1992. Two years later, Ms Wood was hired as director of Firstsite, with the remit to develop the organisation towards the eventual aim of building a new gallery for the town.

By 1999, Kath and her team were bringing in some of the country’s big modern art hitters, including the Turner Prize-winning show, Field for the British Isles by Angel of the North creator Antony Gormley, which attracted more than 12,000 visitors in four weeks.

In 2003, following a £5million lottery grant, plus cash from Essex County Council, Colchester Council, the now defunct East of England Development Agency, Essex University and fundraising by Firstsite itself, a competition was held to find an architect for the ambitious project. The following February, New York-based Rafael Vinoly Architects saw off competition from more than 100 designers to win the contract.

The gallery project was difficult and protracted and was eventually completed last year.

“It was pretty tough and it genuinely took up my whole life,” Kath added.

“There were times when I could have walked but I had such a belief in the project, I still do, and in Colchester itself, I didn’t feel it was the right thing to do.

“When I got this job, it was with the intention of building this gallery and we’ve done that.

“Job done, time to move on.”

Chris Paveley, Firstsite chairman, added: “I am extremely proud to have worked with Kath and her vision.

“Everyone at Firstsite will be sad to see her go, but it will be an occasion to celebrate a fantastic achievement.”