Foster and Partners has submitted a planning application for the first phase of its masterplan to transform the Imperial War Museum in London.

Southwark Council is expected to consider the application by the summer, which would allow the £35 million project to complete by 2014 – in time to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the first world war.

Phase one includes larger first world war galleries, a reconfigured central hall, new central hall terrace displays, additional gallery space at the top of the museum for exhibitions relating to contemporary conflicts, and a café opening on to the Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park.

Diane Lees, the museum’s director general, said: The Imperial War Museum was founded during the first world war as a lasting memorial to all those who played their part in the conflict. Our brand-new galleries will allow us to continue this work in the 21st century, helping to keep the history and personal recollections of the war alive for future generations.”

The museum, which has raised more than half the money needed, plans to close for six months from January 2013 to enable the work to take place.