Plans for £80m Design Museum unveiled

Museum bosses hope that the move will bring it in line with other museums in Kensington's 'cultural quarter' including the Natural History Museum, V&A, and Science Museum.

Director Deyan Sudjuc said: "This is an important step forward for the museum. We are very excited by all the work that John Pawson and the rest of the design team have done.

"They have put forward a brilliant strategy to bring the former Commonwealth Institute back to life, which will allow the public to see the essential qualities of this historic listed building, and make a wonderful new home for the Design Museum."

Its new home will mean the museum has three times more space, and it is aiming to double its visitor numbers to 500,000 people a year.

The Commonwealth Institute building has been empty for more than 10 years, and in July 2010, Kensington and Chelsea Council granted planning permission for this scheme.

Designers working on the museum have been helped by Lord Cunliffe, who was involved in the design of the original building in 1958.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has praised the project, and said: "Housed in an iconic architectural landmark and offering state-of-the-art learning facilities, this new museum puts design firmly in the spotlight and will become a must-see destination for visitors as well as designers and students."

The scheme has been funded by a £20m grant from developers Chelsfield who own the site, and through a fundraising appeal of £44m which the museum hopes to get from individuals and trusts, including money already pledged from the Heritage Lottery Fund.