The first phase of Tate Modern's £215m redevelopment project - the opening of the former power station's Oil Tanks - is to be completed in time for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

The Oil Tanks - circular spaces spanning 30m (98ft) across and 7m (23ft) high - are set to open on 18 July and will provide dedicated space for showing "art in the live form".

In addition to the industrial chambers, neighbouring galleries will provide new spaces for the attraction to display its collection of artworks. The tanks will also offer new learning areas.
Phase two of the development, which will provide more floors of galleries and increase Tate Modern's exhibition space by 70 per cent, is not due for completion until at least 2016.

Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the redevelopment includes the creation of a spectacular new building adjoining Tate Modern to the south.

According to Tate Trustees, the completion of the first phase of the building was made possible by donations to the campaign which so far have raised more than three quarters of the total capital costs of £215m.

Adding to private donations, Tate has received £50m from the government and a further £7m from the Greater London Authority.

For more information on the first phase,click here for www.tate.org.uk/.