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NEWS
Designs revealed for major Sydney Opera House upgrade
POSTED 12 Aug 2016 . BY Kim Megson
Arm Architecture are overhauling the Concert Hall’s acoustics, accessibility, stage and backstage areas Credit: Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House has played an important role in our nation’s history and embarking on these renewal projects will ensure that it continues to be relevant for generations to come
– Tony Grant, NSW arts minister
One of the world’s most iconic cultural landmarks is set to be comprehensively revamped “and upgraded for the 21st Century”.

The government of New South Wales, Australia has revealed working designs to update the Sydney Opera House as part of a AUS$202m scheme. The changes – which are the biggest in the building’s 43 year history – include an overhaul of the Concert Hall’s acoustics, accessibility, stage and backstage areas.

That component of the redesign is being led by Australian studio ARM Architecture with American theatre designers Schuler Shook and German acoustic engineers Müller BBM. Work will begin in 2019, with the hall closed to the public for two years.

In addition, Scott Carver Architects have already begun renewing the building’s second-largest hall, the Joan Sutherland Theatre, to improve the experience of concert-goers.

From next year, architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greer will oversee the creation of a new learning centre for children and the upgrading of the Opera House’s the entry foyers and box office.

“From pedestrianising the under-used space beneath the Monumental Steps to finally bringing the function centre inside the building envelope and eliminating the need for the large external marquee, the Opera House will change for the better," said arts minister Tony Grant.

“The Sydney Opera House has played an important role in our nation’s history and embarking on these renewal projects will ensure that it continues to be relevant for generations to come.”

The landmark building was designed by Pritzker Prize Laureate Jørn Utzon and opened in 1973.

The renovations are being funded by the state government’s Cultural Infrastructure Fund.

The Sydney Opera House opened in 1973 Credit: Adam J.W.C
Tonkin Zulaikha Greer will oversee the creation of a new learning centre for children Credit: Sydney Opera House
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Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
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NEWS
Designs revealed for major Sydney Opera House upgrade
POSTED 12 Aug 2016 . BY Kim Megson
Arm Architecture are overhauling the Concert Hall’s acoustics, accessibility, stage and backstage areas Credit: Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House has played an important role in our nation’s history and embarking on these renewal projects will ensure that it continues to be relevant for generations to come
– Tony Grant, NSW arts minister
One of the world’s most iconic cultural landmarks is set to be comprehensively revamped “and upgraded for the 21st Century”.

The government of New South Wales, Australia has revealed working designs to update the Sydney Opera House as part of a AUS$202m scheme. The changes – which are the biggest in the building’s 43 year history – include an overhaul of the Concert Hall’s acoustics, accessibility, stage and backstage areas.

That component of the redesign is being led by Australian studio ARM Architecture with American theatre designers Schuler Shook and German acoustic engineers Müller BBM. Work will begin in 2019, with the hall closed to the public for two years.

In addition, Scott Carver Architects have already begun renewing the building’s second-largest hall, the Joan Sutherland Theatre, to improve the experience of concert-goers.

From next year, architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greer will oversee the creation of a new learning centre for children and the upgrading of the Opera House’s the entry foyers and box office.

“From pedestrianising the under-used space beneath the Monumental Steps to finally bringing the function centre inside the building envelope and eliminating the need for the large external marquee, the Opera House will change for the better," said arts minister Tony Grant.

“The Sydney Opera House has played an important role in our nation’s history and embarking on these renewal projects will ensure that it continues to be relevant for generations to come.”

The landmark building was designed by Pritzker Prize Laureate Jørn Utzon and opened in 1973.

The renovations are being funded by the state government’s Cultural Infrastructure Fund.

The Sydney Opera House opened in 1973 Credit: Adam J.W.C
Tonkin Zulaikha Greer will oversee the creation of a new learning centre for children Credit: Sydney Opera House
MORE NEWS
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 
Efteling expands family offer with new Hooghmoed drop tower
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford– Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism inv
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx- Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
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COMPANY PROFILES
ProSlide Technology, Inc.

A former national ski team racer, ProSlide® CEO Rick Hunter’s goal has been to integrate the smoot [more...]
Painting With Light

By combining lighting, video, scenic and architectural elements, sound and special effects we tell s [more...]
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
RMA Ltd

RMA Ltd is a one-stop global company that can design, build and produce from a greenfield site upw [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
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