DESIGNING a Crystal Palace which evokes the spirit of the original while being fit for the future is no mean feat.

But the job is up for grabs, with ZhongRong Group wanting to hear from any architects who think they can take on the challenge.

Anyone interested in creating a landmark in the spirit of Joseph Paxton’s original has until January 20 to send their expressions of interest to the property developer.

A shortlist of three architect teams will then be drawn up in the spring with the trio invited to prepare a detailed submission including initial concept designs.

The selected architect, due to be appointed in the summer, will work closely with the lead consultant Arup.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "Creating a Crystal Palace for the 21st century is a truly unique opportunity.

"I am confident this search will attract some of the world's finest creative minds, many of whom we know are home grown talents.

"The key to the success of this exciting regeneration project, which is set to generate a significant number of jobs in London, is high quality design working in harmony with the rich heritage of this historic site.

"I look forward with great interest as to how the design selection progresses."

And Bromley Council’s leader Councillor Stephen Carr, who is on the architect selection panel, said: "Local people rightly want to see the detail and the appointment of architects and design teams will enable some of this detail to come forwards.

"Clearly the appointment will be a ZhongRong decision but I am encouraged by the desire to recruit a team of the highest calibre on a global stage and in quite a demanding short time scale.

"The news underlines ZhongRong’s serious intentions and will ultimately bring about greater clarity which is to be welcomed."

The project aims to rebuild the famous Crystal Palace, including the historic Italian terraces, the underpass, the dinosaur trail and maze.

There are also plans to include hotel facilities, exhibition spaces, education facilities and open up spaces for community use.

Click here for more information about the architect selection process.