A new visitor centre is in the offing for London’s famous replica of the Golden Hinde warship, which was captained by British naval officer Sir Francis Drake – the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe.

The centre has been designed by London-based architectural practice SPPARC and will feature an accessible education facility exploring the vessel’s history, as well as an exhibition space and viewing galleries.

SPPARC’s dual-level, 1,125sq m (12,109sq ft) building will also allow visitors to view various key locations along the River Thames connected to Drake. The architects will submit plans later this year.

The replica, which is currently undergoing a major refurbishment project, is one of a number of naval attractions along the River Thames, with others including HMS Belfast and the Cutty Sark.

"The brief for the new Golden Hinde visitor centre called for a unique design which learned from the skilled craftsmanship and innovative nautical engineering of this iconic ship," said SPPARC principal Trevor Morriss.

"The concept was derived through the desire to reflect this history of the Golden Hinde and Sir Francis Drake in a contemporary visitor centre."

Angus Francis Coleman, director of Golden Hinde Ltd, added: "SPPARC’s passion and energy have been fundamental in creating this new vision for the Golden Hinde in London.

"This visitor centre will allow us to deliver on a much grander scale and will turn the Golden Hinde into a major cultural destination."

Golden Hinde Ltd is backing the project and looking to raise £5m (US$6.7m, €5.9m) to cover its construction.