The 170,000 sq ft facility budgeted to cost around £27m is being developed in partnership with University of Reading at a site in Shinfield, adjoining the university’s Thames Valley Science Park, just off the M4 motorway.

The British Museum Archaeological Research Collection (BM_ARC) will provide a home for many of the two million artefacts currently kept at Blythe House, west London, which is to close in 2023.

World-renowned archaeological collections of ancient sculpture and mosaics, archaeological assemblages, and historic cast collections will be kept in the complex.

The single-storey building will consist of three connected blocks and also provide study spaces for academics, researchers, students and members of the public who can access the collection by appointment.

There will also be a dedicated loans hub for the museum to lend objects from the collection across the UK and internationally.

Graham’s London office director, Rob Joyce said: “We’re excited to bring the British Museum’s world-class artefacts to Shinfield and once again be working back at the University of Reading.

“We have a lot of experience of working with educational institutions to deliver high-quality buildings that facilitate learning and innovation.”