The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery (RAMM) in Exeter is to receive a £15.5m extension.

London-based architects Allies and Morrison have designed the revamp, which will include a new entrance, a temporary exhibition suite and a shop.

Cllr Peter Edwards, lead councillor for environment and leisure at Exeter City Council, said: “This new extension will give us the space we need to bring the best touring exhibitions from the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert and other national museums to Exeter.

“Allies and Morrison have created a superb design that is really functional, complements the existing Victorian back of the building and also turns a scruffy cul-de-sac into an attractive public space.”

The Heritage Lottery Fund has earmarked £9m for the project, with the rest of the money coming from the council and other charitable organisations.

Work is scheduled to begin next autumn and be completed by the end of 2009. Details: www.exeter.gov.uk