Plans for the multi-million pound extension of the Whitworth Art Gallery at the University of Manchester have been awarded £8m by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The £12m MUMA-designed scheme will see the attraction's public space doubled in size, which will open up 396sq m (4,263sq ft) of new gallery space. A new North Wing will house a landscape gallery, exhibiting Whitworth Art Gallery's most important artworks, as well as a study centre for visitors to learn more about the works.

Meanwhile, a promenade gallery will connect with the South Wing, which will incorporate a new café and a learning studio opening into a new art garden. On the first floor, exhibition spaces will be revamped and the Edwardian staircases are to be opened up. Three large barrel ceiling exhibition galleries will also provide more space.

Sara Hilton, head of the HLF North West, said: "The gallery will be revitalised, creating new spaces that will allow more of these magnificent collections to be shared with the public." Whitworth Art Gallery director Maria Balshaw added: "The project will create a gallery that's truly fit for the 21st century and which we know our visitors are going to love."