Cheshire-based consulting firm Mather and Co has been appointed to draw up designs for the new National Horseracing Museum at the Palace House Site in Newmarket, Suffolk.

The announcement follows a competitive tender process and has seen the group work with the attraction to develop comprehensive interpretation, design and visualisation plans.

Proposals will now be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund for funding support towards the project, which will transform the Palace House Stables.

The site is due to open in 2014 and will incorporate a new museum in the outer yard of the stables and the Gallery of the British Sporting Art Trust in Palace House.

An education centre in the Mews and working yard for the Retraining of Racehorses charity in the adjoining yard and paddocks are also included among the proposals.

Mather and Co's Paul Lee said: "[This project] presents a hugely exciting challenge to create a dynamic new visitor attraction experience at the 'headquarters' of British thoroughbred racing."