The new 16,000 sq m centre will become home to 250,000 objects, 350,000 books and over 1,000 archives spanning the breadth of the V&A’s collection from fashion, textiles and furniture to painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, design, architecture and digital.

Claire McKeown, V&A East Project Director, said:“V&A East is one of the most significant and ambitious developments in the V&A’s history.

“Our collection and research centre will be a global first, combining a unique visitor attraction with a working museum store that meets the complex and varied needs of the V&A’s diverse collection.

“It’s an unprecedented and challenging brief, and we were impressed with McLaughlin & Harvey’s ingenious response, particularly their sensitive approach to integrating our large-scale collection objects, architectural fragments and historic interiors into the build.

“I look forward to having them onboard to realise Diller Scofidio + Renfro’s revolutionary designs as we build an exciting new future in east London.”

Michael Kieran, Construction Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, added: “We look forward to supporting the V&A in the development of this facility which will allow their unrivalled collections to be stored and explored.

“This project is part of the V&A’s expansion plans in east London and will take pride of place in our portfolio of work in the south east.”