A design competition has opened for the proposed 24-hour Powerhouse Museum in Parramatta, Sydney, Australia.

Currently based in Ultimo, a Sydney suburb, the Powerhouse Museum is a scientific institution that houses a collection of more than 400,000 objects dating back to 1880.

The new building will incorporate 18,000sq m (193,750sq ft) of exhibition and public space, including Australia’s largest and most advanced planetarium.

Other features will include Australia’s first dedicated STEAM learning space and a pedestrian bridge.

"This competition is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a purpose-built Powerhouse Precinct at Parramatta that will welcome people from across the world and New South Wales (NSW)," NSW minister for Resources, the Minister for Energy and Utilities Don Harwin said.

"We're looking for the best designers from across NSW, Australia and internationally to create this new cultural landmark in Parramatta."

The competition is a two-stage process, which will begin with an initial expression of interest phase. At least five teams will then be selected to proceed to stage two, where designs will be exhibited physically and online for public comment before going to jury deliberations.

The competition jury is to be chaired by Australian entrepreneur Naomi Milgrom whose foundation commissions the annual MPavilion installation in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Gardens.

"The museum will play an important role in renewing the places and neighbourhoods where it will be a focus, but more importantly, it will be a catalyst for imagination, connection and creativity in the community of which it will be a part," Milgrom said.

"Our aim is to identify a design that will reflect this ambition – a design that is not just about a new built form but is about the people whom we hope will be inspired by all that will happen at the museum."