Sydney Opera House set for biggest-ever revamp
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The government of New South Wales has unveiled plans for the biggest programme of upgrades to the Sydney Opera House since the attraction opened in 1973.
Troy Grant, the state’s Deputy Premier and Minister of the Arts, revealed details of the state-funded AU$202 million (US$155m) development project on Thursday (11 August 2016).
It encompasses upgrades to the main Concert Hall, including its acoustics and accessibility, the development of a new ‘Creative Learning Centre’ for children and families, the creation of a “premium function centre” within the existing building, and the development of a new car-free entrance under the Monumental Steps.
“The Sydney Opera House is the symbol of modern Australia. It is our responsibility as custodians of this extraordinary place to maintain and renew it for all Australians,” Grant said. “That’s why we are investing more than AU$200 million in these wonderful projects, which represent the biggest upgrade to the Opera House since it opened 43 years ago.”
The largest of the state-funded projects, the Concert Hall upgrade, is expected to take 18 months to complete. Construction will commence in mid-2019 and the hall is expected to reopen in 2021.
In addition to the four projects unveiled today, the upgrade programme also includes a AU$45m self-funded project to renovate the building’s second largest performance space, the Joan Sutherland Theatre. This will close for seven months in 2017.
The Sydney Opera House is one of Australia’s most popular attractions, welcoming approximately 8.2 million visitors per year.
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