V&A museum secures planning for £41m underground gallery

The development will create a new purpose-built underground gallery for its programme of temporary exhibitions, a courtyard space and a new entrance on the west side of the museum.

The museum announced the planning decision on its website, stating that "the scheme is fundamental for the V&A to continue to fulfil its core mission of bringing in new audiences and to further establish Exhibition Road as an international cultural destination."

Works to divert services within the site will begin in the autumn, with building work planned to commence in 2012, and estimated to be completed by the end of 2015. The museum plans to open the new gallery to the public in 2016. 

Amanda Levete Architects (ALA) was appointed following a project design competition in March 2011 where they were selected from seven shortlisted architectural teams. The competition attracted over 110 expressions of interest from all over the world for the new courtyard, entrance and exhibition gallery.

Sir Paul Ruddock, Chairman of the V&A Board of Trustees, said at the time of ALA's appointment: "The Exhibition Road project is an essential development for the future of the V&A. The V&A produces the very best international design exhibitions and the existing exhibition courts, arranged over three separate rooms, are no longer fit for purpose. This new development will transform the way the V&A is able to present its major exhibitions and will enable us to reveal and restore the magnificent south courts."

More recently he told industry news service Attractions Management: "This project will transform the way we present temporary exhibitions and reinforce the Museum as a world leader of art and design. Not only will the development continue to improve the presence of Exhibition Road as an international cultural hub but it will provide us with the building and facilities to welcome more residents and visitors than ever before."

On winning the competition, Amanda Levete described the project as "an opportunity to create a new public space for London - South Kensington's Drawing Room" and explained that "the pattern of the courtyard derives from the structure and the richness of the V&A's collection, and continues the didactic tradition of the V&A buildings. "