Imperial War Museum (IWM) London is to to create new galleries for its First World War collections as part of its plans to commemorate the centenary of the conflict in 2014.

The new spaces are due to open in summer 2014 and will improve access to the attraction's extensive collections, allowing more personal artefacts, films and images to go on display.

Foster + Partners and exhibition designer Casson Mann are working on the scheme, which will see the new First World War galleries offer double the space of the current areas.

The new facilities will be created within the existing footprint of the IWM London building, with the central atrium space to also undergo a transformation as part of the scheme.

It will be the first in a number of redevelopment projects planned for IWM London over the next decade, which will deliver 20 per cent more gallery space and upgraded visitor facilities.

The First World War galleries project has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which will enable IWM to progress its plans in order to secure a £4.5m grant.

IWM director-general Diane Lees said: "I can't think of a more fitting way to start the transformation than with the creation of new galleries to mark the First World War centenary in 2014.

"The new galleries at IWM London will allow us to continue this work in the twenty-first century and help current and future visitors to learn and understand more about the causes, course and consequences of the Great War."

Plans are expected to be submitted in 2012 following extensive consultation.

Image: Green Lane