A MUSEUM extension worth £35m has moved a step closer.
The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, has appointed Bovis Lend Lease as the main construction contractor for its Sammy Ofer Wing project.
A new wing was made possible after a massive £20m donation by shipping magnate and philanthropist Sammy Ofer in 2007 and a further donation by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Construction is due to begin in August and it should open in 2012, the year of the museum’s 75th anniversary and of the equestrian Olympic events in Greenwich Park.
Planning permission and listed building consent have already been granted by Greenwich Council for the extension.
It will include a new art library, exhibitions gallery, and improved visitor facilities including a cafe, restaurant and shop.
Museum director Dr Kevin Fewster said: “Achieving planning consent and appointing our main contractor are major steps forward for the project.”
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