Jamie Fobert and Purcell have submitted plans for a £35.5m redevelopment of the National Portrait Gallery in London.

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

The scheme, dubbed Inspiring People, will involve a significant refurbishment of the building, restoring historic features and, most dramatically, creating a new entrance on the building’s north façade. This is intended to improve visibility and accessibility.

The plans also include a complete re-display and re-interpretation of the gallery’s collection across 40 refurbished galleries; the return of the gallery’s east wing to public use, including restoring the original gallery spaces and the creation of new retail and catering facilities; and a new learning centre. (See box below.)

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