A multi-million pound project to redevelop and secure the future of the world-famous Willliam Morris Gallery has been welcomed by supporters.

The council's architects, Pringle Richards Sharratt, last week revealed proposals to refurbish the Grade II listed building in Forest Road using money from a Heritage Lottery Fund bid.

The council also plans to extend the building to incorporate an education centre and café, if the lottery bid is successful.

Bill Measure, chair of the Friends of William Morris Gallery, said the group supports the plans and response by supporters of the gallery has been largely positive.

He said: “I have been impressed with the architects. They are very sensitive to what is already there in the building".

The future of the gallery was threatened in 2007 when the council slashed its budget and laid off long-serving staff, including curator and arts and crafts movement expert Peter Cormach - despite protests by borough residents and gallery supporters.

But the proposed development, which is being planned in partnership with the wider Lloyd Park lottery bid, looks set to offer a much-needed revamp for the gallery, which has seen a drop in visitor numbers.

Tim Bennett-Goodman, former chairman of Apex Arts, the arts council for Waltham Forest, supports the plans.

He said: “If the gallery stays as it is at the moment, it is going nowhere fast, but if they can make changes along with the park, it will be a wonderful facility".

John Pringle, director of Pringle Richards Sharratt, said: "Generally, the response has been pretty favourable. People feel like this is the right thing to do for the gallery and that it needs cheering up because visitor numbers are low."

Mr Pringle said that before the designs are finalised, the views of stakeholders will be taken into account and the plans must be approved by English Heritage.

Michael Gold, prospective independent candidate for High Street ward in Walthamstow, insists National Lottery money should not be spent on a gallery which celebrates the life of a socialist artist and poet.

The 64-year-old said: “It is unfair that an impoverished London council has to pick up the bill to run an international gallery. I'm certain if William Morris was alive today he would find the idea of a tax on the poor by people buying lottery tickets in hope of winning would be disgraceful".

Mr Gold said he believes the lottery bid marks the “end of the road" for a proposal made by a group of supporters of the gallery, including himself, for a trust to be formed so the gallery could be taken out of council control.