Construction of Sammy Ofer wing, named after shipping magnate who donated money for the project, is due to start in August

Bovis Lend Lease has won the 拢35m contract to build a new wing for the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.

Construction work on the Sammy Ofer wing is due to start in August, with build set to be completed in time for the surrounding area to stage the equestrian events at the 2012 Olympics.

Bovis' team is made up of Churchman Landscape Architects, structural engineer Adam Kara Taylor, building service engineer Fulcrum Consulting, cost manager Turner & Townsend and planning consultant Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners.

The new wing will feature a substantial new space for special exhibitions, an open archive centre, new learning spaces, a new south entrance, and new visitor facilities, including a restaurant, cafe and shop. It is being funded by a donation from international shipping magnate philanthropist Sammy Ofer.

The project recently secured planning consent and listed building consent from Greenwich council. Kevin Fewster, director of the museum, said: 脜gWe have a great team and a strong design. All in all, the new wing will create a spectacular contemporary environment in which all our visitors can appreciate the wonders of our world-class collections and their stories of human endeavour and discovery.