The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) has announced that it is moving into the next phase of planning for its expansion scheme.

The project, which was initiated in 2007, includes plans to double its gallery space to 100,000sq ft by building a new wing.

The museum put its plans on hold last autumn due to the economic crisis but will now develop the scheme by defining how the added space will be allocated and will create a budget for its “construction and endowment”.

Neal Benezra, director of SFMOMA, said: “We are taking this important next step in securing our future in response to the increasing public demand for our programming, to be able to properly present our collections and exhibitions, and equally important, to accommodate future growth.

“Continuing this planning is critical since it will enable us to move forward quickly and confidently with a fundraising campaign once the nation regains its economic footing.”

The new wing will be located to the southwest of the museum and it is thought that it will house the museum’s curatorial, programming and administrative offices.