Sydney Opera House conservation plan

–99–place without taking into consideration the views of the HeritageCouncil of NSW.Policy 59.1 Changes that may have a ‘significant effect’ on theheritage significance of the Sydney Opera House and its site should bereferred to the relevant consent authority.The process will be simplified and expedited if the internal processesof the Sydney Opera House detailed on pages 95 to 96 are workingeffectively and if the proposal and any accompanying statement ofheritage impact draw upon the guidance provided by the policies inthis conservation plan. It is therefore useful to seek informal commenton draft conservation plans from the consent authority and theHeritage Council of NSW and subsequently to seek formal adoption orendorsement as appropriate.The threshold of what constitutes a ‘significant effect’ is best illustratedby examples. Of the six proposals set out in the Venue improvementplan of May 2002, all are likely to have a ‘significant effect’ on heritagesignificance and all are appropriate subjects for the consent process.Four proposals (Concert Hall acoustic improvements, Opera Theatrepit extension and auditorium refurbishment, and Reception Hall refurbishment)should result in enhanced significance, amenity and utility.The fifth proposal (Western Broadwalk loggia and foyer refurbishment)will require careful explanation and documentation but all five can bejustified by the policies of this third edition of the conservation plan.The sixth proposal (Forecourt performance infrastructure) presents realheritage problems and, bearing in mind the intrusive nature, extent,duration and frequency of the infrastructure (see pages 48–49), is capableof having a distinctly adverse ‘significant effect’ on the approach toand setting of the Sydney Opera House. This adverse effect would beat its worst where performances required bulky infrastructure, extensiveintroduced seating, the exclusion of the public from Forecourt,steps and part of the podium deck, and fencing that excludes visionacross or into the Forecourt. On the other hand, the more open andmodest approach illustrated on page 10 of the Venue improvementplan, with the spectators seated directly on the steps, would have littleor no adverse effect. The issues are complex and any schemes forpermanent arrangements will need careful development if theForecourt is to remain an appropriate space to set off the approachand visual enjoyment of the Opera House.Policy 59.2 In assessing the level of ‘significant effect’ of proposalsfor performance infrastructure in the Sydney Opera House Forecourt,consideration should be given to:• the fact that the Forecourt and podium steps constitute Utzon’sprimary approach to the building (page 61) and are assessed asbeing of exceptional significance (see pages 34 and 36, and policy51.1);• the degree to which the vision of the Opera House is intruded uponby the bulk and extent of the facilities and tall opaque fencing (seepages 48 to 49);• the duration and frequency of stay including erection and dismantlingtimes;