Media Release: Tuesday, 17th November 2009
Sydney Opera House unveils Western Foyers and Accessibility Improvements
"As time passes and needs change, it is natural to modify the building to suit the needs and technique of the day." Jørn Utzon, 2000.
The Hon. Virginia Judge MP opens refurbished Western Foyers and Access Improvements
Sydney Opera House today marked the official opening of the refurbished Western Foyers and Accessibility improvements signalling a new era for visitor access. For the first time since the building’s opening in 1973, patrons will be able to access the main box office foyers via Sydney Opera House’s first public elevator. Two new escalators provide access to both the box office and southern foyers of the Concert Hall and Opera Theatre.
The Accessibility and Western Foyers project, funded by a $38m grant by the NSW Government and completed on time and on budget, is the largest building project completed at Sydney Opera House since Sydney Opera House re-engaged Jørn Utzon in 1999.
Designed by architect Jørn Utzon and his son, Jan Utzon, in collaboration with Richard Johnson of Johnson Pilton Walker, the project has transformed the Western Foyers into a stylish and functional space providing patrons with additional amenities including new ticketing, toilet and cloaking facilities. Importantly, new escalators and a public lift have vastly improved independent access for less mobile visitors, people with a disability and families with prams.
CEO Richard Evans highlighted the ongoing challenge of balancing the requirement for building improvements with preserving Sydney Opera House’s World Heritage status.
“Balancing the future functionality of Sydney Opera House with improvements to the architectural expression and impact of the building, is one of our key challenges. Jørn Utzon and his team have applied their creative genius to many of the problems and delivered solutions that will transform the visitor experience whilst respecting the architectural integrity and legacy of this incredible building”.
Architect Jan Utzon added, “The recent modifications to the Opera House and the improved accessibility are all part of the natural changes to the building that will ensure its usefulness and enhance its architecture and its value as an iconic building in Sydney.”
Sydney Opera House is one of the only performing arts centres in Australia with a full time Accessibility Program Manager position whose mandate is to bring Sydney Opera House’s accessibility standards in line with best practice. As part of the consultation process, Sydney Opera House sought input from key community groups including the NSW Council of the Ageing (COTA), Accessible Arts and Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI Australia) to ensure that the planned changes addressed specific needs.
Louise Sauvage OAM named inaugural Sydney Opera House Accessibility Ambassador
Sydney Opera House also announced that one of Australia’s most decorated athletes, Louise Sauvage OAM, has accepted the role of Accessibility Ambassador on a voluntary basis for a two year term.
As the inaugural Sydney Opera House Accessibility Ambassador, Louise Sauvage will provide advice on the implementation of Sydney Opera House’s Access Strategic Plan with a view to further improving access for people with disabilities.
“We are enormously pleased that Louise Sauvage has volunteered her services to Sydney Opera House”, said Richard Evans. “She is an Australian icon herself who is so strongly committed to improving access for everyone. We look forward to both her contribution and honest assessment on how Sydney Opera House can do better”.
“As Accessibility Ambassador, I am truly honoured to have an association with Australia’s most iconic landmark. I honestly believe that Sydney Opera House was built for the people therefore we should do what we can to make sure all Australians and international visitors have the opportunity to experience everything the Sydney Opera House has to offer. Sydney Opera House has taken a big step forward in improving accessibility and I look forward to working with them on future initiatives”, Louise Sauvage said.
Media Contacts
Vanessa Duscio
Sydney Opera House
(02) 9250 7678 / 0409 977 312
vduscio@sydneyoperahouse.com
Steven Reilly
Sydney Opera House
(02) 9250 7411 / 0434 148 504
sreilly@sydneyoprahouse.com
Notes to Editors
The Accessibility and Western Foyers improvements include:
• The first ever public lift and indoor escalators at Sydney Opera House. The lift connects the lower concourse to the vehicle concourse and the main box office level. Patrons can enter the lift via an underground corridor near the Sydney Opera House shop on the lower level and also at a new corridor on the ground level (at the top of the existing escalators), enabling them to travel undercover to the Western Foyers for the first time.
• One new escalator connects the main box office level to the Opera Theatre South Foyer while a second connects the box office to the Concert Hall South Foyer.
• Two new Platform Stairlifts have been installed on entry into the Playhouse theatre, providing access to this theatre from the foyer for the first time. The Stairlifts feature fold-out seats allowing them to be used by both patrons who use wheelchairs and those who are less mobile. Four new accessible wheelchair seating positions have been installed with improved sightlines at the mid-theatre entry level.
• Two new accessible toilet facilities and a significant increase in the capacity of the female toilets.
• The creation of a single united Western Foyer space that blends with the external Colonnade. The new foyer includes increased food and beverage service capacity and combined box office and cloaking accessible service counters.