Amanda Levete Architects (AL_A) has been appointed to lead the Exhibition Road scheme at London's Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum, following an international contest.

The London-based practice held off six other shortlisted entries for the project, which is to include the creation of new galleries and a public courtyard for installations and events.

An entrance to the attraction will also be created on Exhibition Road as part of the scheme, which attracted more than 110 expressions of interest from firms across the world.

A jury chaired by V&A trustee Steve McGuckin decided to chose AL_A, which will now work with the museum on detailed designs. The scheme is expected to cost around £35m.

Paul Ruddock, chair of the V&A board of trustees, said: "This new development will transform the way the V&A is able to present its major exhibitions and will enable us to reveal and restore the magnificent south court."

Amanda Levete added: "This isn't just about a gallery, it's an opportunity to create a new public space for London - South Kensington's Drawing Room."

The Exhibition Road project forms part of the V&A's ongoing FuturePlan to transform the attraction, with the second 10-year phase of restoration now confirmed.

FuturePlan was unveiled in 2001 with the opening of the British Galleries and the first stage was completed in 2009 with the launch of the Medieval and Renaissance Galleries.

Phase Two of FuturePlan will now incorporate a series of projects, with the Exhibition Road Project to be the last upon completion in 2016.

Image: (c) Amanda Levete Architects - Victoria and Albert Museum, London