Jamie Fobert and Purcell have secured planning permission for their £35.5m redevelopment of the National Portrait Gallery in London.

The project will be the gallery’s biggest programme of works since the grade I-listed building, which is tucked behind the National Gallery off Trafalgar Square, opened in 1896. It is also its first major project since Dixon Jones’ Ondaatje Wing opened in 2000.

Dubbed “Inspiring People”, the project will involve a significant refurbishment of the building, restoring historic features and, most dramatically, creating a new entrance on the building’s north façade that is intended to improve visibility and accessibility.

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