The Accessibility and Western Foyers Project is an important milestone for Sydney Opera House. Funded by the NSW State Government for a total of $38 million the project will significantly improve access and amenities for patrons.
Sydney Opera House architect Jørn Utzon collaborated with his architect son Jan and Australian architect Richard Johnson of Johnson Pilton Walker to design a stunning new foyer for the Playhouse, the Studio and the Drama Theatre.
The Colonnade project, completed in 2006, provided nine large glass openings into the windowless western façade, connecting the Western Foyers to the stunning harbour setting. The new interiors will finally achieve Utzon’s vision of transporting patrons between the beautiful harbour and into the magical worlds of the theatres through an elegant public gathering space. When complete, the new foyer will run the length of the western side of the building, approximately 100 metres.
As well as the creation of additional amenities, new box office and cloakroom and new food and beverage outlets, the project will improve accessibility for patrons with mobility issues with the construction of the first public lift at Sydney Opera House and the installation of two public escalators.
Approximately 20% of the population have mobility issues and the installation of the lift and escalators will benefit hundreds of thousands of visitors to Sydney Opera House.
When used in conjunction, the lift and escalators will save patrons negotiating 92 steps each way and walking a distance of approximately 250 metres each way.
The project is being completed in phases and it is necessary to progressively close parts of the Western Foyer space. The Playhouse is currently closed for performances and will reopen mid-June. Also in June, new toilets and two new bars are expected to open in the foyers of the Playhouse and Studio.
All elements of the project are targeted for completion in mid-2009.
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