The Concert Hall acoustics will be revisited as part of the largest programme of works on the iconic building since it opened in 1973.

The acoustics of Sydney Opera House’s Concert Hall will be upgraded as part of the largest programme of works on the iconic building since it opened in 1973. Designs for the renewal projects were announced today by NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for the Arts Troy Grant.

“The Sydney Opera House is the symbol of modern Australia,” said Grant, “It is our responsibility as custodians of this extraordinary place to maintain and renew it for all Australians. That’s why we are investing more than $200 million in these wonderful projects, which represent the biggest upgrade to the Opera House since it opened 43 years ago.”

The NSW Government has committed $202 million from the Cultural Infrastructure Fund to the renewal plans, which include upgrading the acoustics, accessibility, efficiency and flexibility of the Concert Hall. They also aim to convert office space into a new Creative Learning Centre, build a dedicated place for children, families and young people and remove the existing intrusive marquee from the Northern Broadwalk. In addition they will build a premium Function Centre within the building envelope, create a car-free entrance under the monumental steps, and improve access to what is hoped will be a more comfortable and inviting main foyer.

^{The planned Creative Learning Centre}

Jan Utzon, son of the Opera House’s original architect and member of the Opera House’s Eminent Architects Panel, said “When my father was re-engaged to look into the Opera House, he realised it was necessary to look at the Opera House with new eyes. He realised times had changed and that a functioning arts centre will always need to adapt to the culture of the moment.”

The first stage of Renewal also includes a $45 million self-funded project to replace the ‘engine’ in the Joan Sutherland Theatre. Announced in June 2015, the Theatre Machinery Project will improve the safety and reliability of the theatre, which will close from May to December next year, during construction. 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 Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s 2021 season. The renewal projects will be staged so that performances can continue in the building in other performance spaces.

Rory Jeffes, the SSO’s Managing Director, said the orchestra had been closely involved in the development of the 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,” he said, “and the real winners will be the audiences. 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.”