PLANNING permission and listed building consent for the development plan outlined in Issue no. 3 of Sphæra has now been confirmed, following approval from the Secretary of State. The result of an application for support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, originally expected in November 1996, will now be announced in February. Further support has been agreed by the University, particularly to enable rewiring the Museum, a major undertaking in a building such as the Old Ashmolean.

Included in the original scheme was the refurbishment of the basement gallery; plans have now been drawn up for similar improvements to the other two galleries. A new reception desk and improved showcases and lighting are the priorities, and it is hoped that funds can be found to allow these renovations to proceed at the same time as the major developments.