Renowned architects behind the Seattle Aquarium have been drafted in to undertake regeneration work at Alexandra Palace.

Designers at Terry Farrell & Partners will draw up new blueprints for the future use of the Grade II listed building.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Alexandra Park and Palace charitable trust, said the overall look and fabric of the iconic building will remain the same, but its internal design will change in order to bring neglected areas back into use.

He said: “We wanted somebody who could think big, and could look outwards from the palace.

“There are issues, for instance the ice rink has a car park in front of it, but if we are going to open up other parts of the Palace that needs to be thought about.

“It is about how a building relates to its environment and makes the best use of it.”

The appointment comes after English Heritage pledged �320,000 for much-needed repairs and the appointment of conservation architects.

The regeneration of Alexandra Palace began last year and will see the landmark repaired and restored.

Sir Terry Farrell said: “We are delighted to be appointed to plan the future of Alexandra Palace, one of London’s treasures that is steeped in history. The opportunity to shape the future will be a very exciting one.”