The British Empire & Commonwealth Museum has announced plans to move its core operations to London.

The museum’s board of trustees said that the decision had been made to secure the site’s long-term future, and to reach a larger international audience.

A spokesperson said that museum officials are currently in negotiations over a ‘major cultural venue’ in the capital to house its archives.

The museum, which is operated as a independent charity, was launched in 2002 and recently announced an ambitious expansion programme.

Dr Gareth Griffiths, director of the museum, said: “Relocation to London presents a major opportunity for the Museum to widen its reach and engage new audiences with this important and formative part of our shared past.

“We have enjoyed great success over the last five years of operation and are extremely grateful to the people of Bristol and all those who have supported us.”

The museum will stay open to the public in its current location in Bristol until October 2008.