Last month London’s Southbank Centre announced that it would share proposals for the transformation of its Festival Wing - including the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and Hayward Gallery - via a public exhibition, opening on March 7. Today (March 6) details of those plans have been revealed. Following the successful renovation of the Royal Festival Hall in 2007, the new project, led by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, will involve refurbishing the 1960s Festival Wing buildings and creating major new arts spaces.

In addition to addressing poor access, and outdated stages, galleries and backstage areas, the most visible aspect of the project will be the creation of a new Central Foyer - a glazed atrium covering the space between the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and the Hayward Gallery - and a Glass Pavilion - a flexible floor space which will ‘float’ on top of the Central Foyer. Boasting world-class acoustics, the Pavilion will be able to accommodate a full orchestra of 150 and choir of up to 250 as well as a small audience. A new ‘liner’ building along Waterloo Bridge will also act as an adaptable space and will host a year-round education programme.

‘We’re thrilled with the plans we’re unveiling, which reflect our aspiration to give millions of people a new relationship with this extraordinary historic site and provide them with further opportunities to get involved in the arts and culture,’ said Southbank artistic director Jude Kelly.

The launch of the project has been made possible by a successful first-stage application for £20m in funding from Arts Council England in March 2012.