Sydney Opera House conservation plan

–85–CARE OF THE FABRICRemoval or alteration of fabricFrom time to time consideration is given to the removal of original andsignificant fabric from its location. A wide range of materials andfittings may be involved.Policy 38.1 Any proposal to remove or alter original and/or significantfabric should:• have regard to the level of significance of the fabric and to theimpact on the character and quality of the place affected;• be checked to ensure that there is no feasible alternative;• only be considered in the context of an overall plan.The last point in policy 38.1 above will help to prevent a series of adhoc minor removals or alterations resulting in the progressive degradationand, ultimately, destruction of significant elements of the place.Policy 38.2 Where significant fabric is removed and capable of subsequentre-use on site, its location should be recorded and the itemscatalogued and stored safely against possible future replacement or relocationin a space of appropriate character.Treatment of intrusive itemsA number of items have been identified as intrusive in the schedule onpages 34 to 39. These include items ranging from inappropriatelylocated and designed shops to cheap metal towel dispenser units inwhite birch ablution areas.Policy 39.1 Items identified as intrusive in this conservation planshould be removed.Where an intrusive item is essential to an appropriate function andwhere the nature of its intrusiveness lies in its design, materials orbulk, redesign or modification may be an acceptable option. Theservice connection kiosk in the forecourt was an example. However inmost cases, of which the ply partition in the vehicle concourse was anobvious example (fig.41), removal was the only acceptable option. Someitems, such as the banks of light battens in the Concert Hall, are tolerablebecause they are only present for particular events or performancesbut any such features should be designed to minimise intrusiveness.Policy 39.2 Priorities and a time based program for the removal ormodification of intrusive items should be established and incorporatedinto any program of works.MaintenanceIntelligent and prompt maintenance and repair is the single mostimportant part of the conservation program.Policy 40.1 The building should continue to be cared for by a plannedmaintenance and repair program based on a complete knowledge of thebuilding and its materials, regular inspection and prompt preventativemaintenance and repair.Policy 40.2 Only persons qualified and experienced in treating the