Overhaul for war museum

The Imperial War Museum in London has submitted plans for a £35m overhaul, which will create new First World War galleries in time to commemorate the centenary of the conflict in 2014.

The museum, which will close its doors for six months for the refit next year, has lodged its applications for planning permission to Southwark Council for the design drawn up by architects Foster & Partners. It has so far secured over half of the necessary funding.

The existing galleries will be expanded by almost half, allowing the museum to display more of its collection.