Three major redevelopment projects across the UK are in line to receive a share of more than £1m after being awarded first-round passes by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Heritage schemes in Cardiff, London and Halifax, West Yorkshire will be handed funding towards the development of more detailed bid proposals, with more than £22m earmarked by the HLF. St Fagans National History Museum near Cardiff has been awarded a £450,000 development grant as part of its bid for £8.7m funding towards plans to revamp the attraction, including a new National Archaeology Collection.

New storage space, modernised galleries and the creation of a Green Pavilion to allow visitors to watch archaeologists at work also form part of the St Fagans proposals to create a "world class museum of learning". Nearly £240,000 has been provided to help the Piece Hall in Halifax secure £7m towards the development of a European-style piazza at the site's Grade I-listed courtyard, along with a new space to examine the role of the Hall in Yorkshire's history.

The Treasury Galleries at London's Science Museum has received £346,200 towards a full HLF grant worth more than £6.3m, which will fund the renovation of four floors at the attraction to be used as new galleries. HLF would provide support for two of the galleries under the proposals; one of which would focus on scientists' achievements and the second to explore digital communications.

Dame Jenny Abramsky, chair of the HLF, said: "It's fitting to announce HLF's initial support for St Fagans - a place which has contributed so much to the understanding of Welsh identity - on St David's Day. "We were also impressed with exciting plans for the Piece Hall and the Science Museum. These three major projects highlight the special role heritage can play in bringing people together and recognise the importance of creating wonderful places for learning and recreation."

Image: Artist's impression of Piece Hall - Iain Denby