The expansion which will provide the museum with 100% more display space, an education centre, conservation studios, teaching rooms, study galleries and discovery area can now press ahead.

Design work is currently underway and it is hoped that the building will go on site at the end of next year.

Dr. Christopher Brown, Director of the Ashmolean, said, "The Museum is delighted to receive planning permission for this ambitious development. This is a crucial stage in the progress of our plans."

News of the HLF Award