Makeover time for Australian icon

The Sydney Opera House was opened in 1973, 14 years after construction began

SYDNEY, Australia (CNN) -- The Sydney Opera House -- arguably Australia's most recognizable icon -- is getting a makeover.

The New South Wales state government has committed $12.5 million (A$24.1 million) to upgrade the architecturally stunning building to make it more accessible and appealing to tourists.

All the modification work will be done in consultation with the opera house's designer, Danish architect Joern Utzon.

Amongst the modifications will be an improved forecourt area that can be used for performances, an enlarged orchestra pit and enhanced acoustics in the Concert Hall.

The first construction work began on the building in 1959, but because of design problems and political infighting, the house was not officially opened until 1973.

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Utzon clashed with the then NSW State government over the designs and cost-blow-outs, eventually resigning from the project in 1966.

As a result, the interior of the building was not built in keeping with Utzon's original intentions.

Utzon, who is now 83, has never personally visited his masterpiece and is now unable to travel.

But he will work in consultation with Australian architects on the refurbishment and is preparing a set of principles which will form a blueprint for future work on the building.

The curved exterior shells of the Opera House are designed to resemble the sails of the many yachts which are a frequent feature in the Sydney harbor waters adjacent to the building.