Details of the planned NZ$90m (US$56m, £32m, 46m euro) redevelopment of the Auckland Art gallery in New Zealand have been revealed.

The refurbishment will increase the gallery’s exhibition space by around 50 per cent and create better links with the adjacent Albert Park.

It will also include earthquake-proofing and improving protection of the heritage building.

The project team – which includes Sydney-based architects FJMT and Auckland-based Archmedia – has applied for resource consent approval for the scheme and expects to commence construction work by summer 2007.

Chris Saines, director of the gallery, said: “The development signals an exciting future for the gallery. A modernised and extended space enables us to be more innovative and ambitious as well as being able to display more of our key works more often.”

The main building is to close for the duration of the construction work, but the site will be open to visitors through the adjacent New Gallery building.