One of the world’s most iconic cultural landmarks is set to be comprehensively revamped “and upgraded for the 21st Century”.

The government of New South Wales, Australia has revealed working designs to update the Sydney Opera House as part of a AUS$202m scheme. The changes – which are the biggest in the building’s 43 year history – include an overhaul of the Concert Hall’s acoustics, accessibility, stage and backstage areas.

That component of the redesign is being led by Australian studio ARM architecture with American theatre designers Schuler Shook and German acoustic engineers Müller BBM. Work will begin in 2019, with the hall closed to the public for two years.

In addition, Scott Carver Architects have already begun renewing the building’s second-largest hall, the Joan Sutherland Theatre, to improve the experience of concert-goers.

From next year, architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greer will oversee the creation of a new learning centre for children and the upgrading of the Opera House’s the entry foyers and box office.

“From pedestrianising the under-used space beneath the Monumental Steps to finally bringing the function centre inside the building envelope and eliminating the need for the large external marquee, the Opera House will change for the better," said arts minister Tony Grant.

“The Sydney Opera House has played an important role in our nation’s history and embarking on these renewal projects will ensure that it continues to be relevant for generations to come.”

The landmark building was designed by Pritzker Prize Laureate Jørn Utzon and opened in 1973.

The renovations are being funded by the state government’s Cultural Infrastructure Fund.