Overhaul of Tate Britain could begin early 2010

Tate Britain is hoping to begin a major refurbishment of its Millbank galleries. The first phase, with work on the south-east of the building at a cost of around £45m, could start next year for completion in 2013. Bovis Lend Lease has just been awarded the management contract for the project. The south-east galleries that are being refurbished (some in the original 1897 building) run between the main entrance and the shop towards the Clore Gallery, which was opened in 1987. The rooms in the main building are used for 20th-century British works and the Clore houses the Turner collection. The lower rooms will be renovated to provide an improved café, members’ room and upgraded educational facilities. A second phase will cover the south-west galleries. The third phase will create a new suite of galleries for contemporary British art, and this is scheduled for completion by 2020.