The historic and famous Sydney Opera House is set to undergo a massive $202 million upgrade to ensure the attraction meets visitor expectations.
This week, designs were unveiled for the iconic site’s first upgrade since 1973. They show an enhanced Concert Hall, improved public spaces and the introduction of a Creative Leaning Centre for families, children and young people.
According to NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Arts, Troy Grant, the upgrade will ensure the Opera House meets its title as the country’s leading tourist destination and busiest performing arts centre.
“The Sydney Opera House is the symbol of modern Australia.”
Troy Grant, NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Arts
“It is our responsibility as custodians of this extraordinary place to maintain and renew it for all Australians.”
So what exactly is changing?
Well the ‘Renewal’ project will see the marquee from the Northern Broadwalk replaced with a premium Function Centre with views of the harbour.
Upgrades will be done to the acoustics, accessibility, efficiency and flexibility of the Concert Hall, while a car-free entrance will be created under the Monumental Steps to improve access.
An inviting main foyer will be built, while the office space will be transformed into the new Creative Learning Centre.
Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) Managing Director Rory Jeffes said the SSO had been closely involved in the development of the Renewal plans, and that the musicians were excited about the improvements to their Concert Hall home.
“For the first time the Concert Hall will deliver the true ambitions of the original creators of this incredible building – and the real winners will be the audiences.”
Rory Jeffes, Sydney Symphony Orchestra Managing Director
“People will be able to come and sit and enjoy the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and other great orchestras of the world right here at the Sydney Opera House in one of the greatest acoustics in the world.”
The largest of the four NSW Government-funded projects, the Concert Hall upgrade is expected to take 18 months to complete. Construction will begin in mid-2019 and the hall will reopen with the SSO’s 2021 season.
In addition to the four projects revealed this week, the first stage of Renewal also includes a $45 million self-funded project to replace the ‘engine’ in the Opera House’s second-largest internal performance space, the Joan Sutherland Theatre (JST). Announced in June 2015, the Theatre Machinery Project will improve the safety and reliability of the JST, which will close from May to December next year, during construction.
The Renewal works will be staged so that audiences and visitors can continue to enjoy world-class experiences at the Opera House while these critical upgrades are completed.
When the Joan Sutherland Theatre closes for seven months in 2017, the Opera House’s five other performance stages, its food and beverage outlets, tours and on-site facilities will remain open and fully operational. This same will be the case during the Concert Hall closure.