Image: Artist's impression of the Members Lounge

Tate has announced it has reached the £45m fundraising target for the Tate Britain Millbank Project, which is designed to conserve and upgrade a number of the art attraction's galleries.

Caruso St John Architects are behind the design of the refurbishment, which commenced in early 2011 and includes the reconstruction of nine galleries in the south part of the building.

Among those to contribute towards the Tate Britain Millbank Project is the Heritage Lottery Fund (£4.9m) and Tate Members, who provided a donation worth £1m.

The new-look galleries are due to open with BP British Art Displays in May 2013, with new visitor facilities and learning spaces to follow in autumn 2013.

Tate director Nicholas Serota said: "This project provides a much needed upgrade to Tate Britain and will hugely improve both the galleries and facilities for our visitors."

Details: www.tate.org.uk

Image courtesy Adrian König, Caruso St John; copyright Tate