Laing O'Rourke wins contract for $250m Sydney Opera House renewal project

Construction company Laing O'Rourke Australia has been awarded the tender for Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) in the Sydney Opera House's Stage 1 Building Renewal program. 

The upgrades include work to the two largest internal performance spaces (the Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre), the entry, foyers and new creative learning and function centres.

In a company statement, Laing O'Rourke confirmed that the $250 million package of works will be carried out over the next five years, and is the largest project since the Opera House opened in 1973. 

"Under the ECI contract, Laing O’Rourke will work with the Opera House and its design teams to ensure the program is as efficient as possible and provides the best value for money. Each project will progress through a series of review points before moving on to the construction phase."

Laing O'Rourke Australia's Managing Director, Cathal O'Rourke, said he was excited to be working on the renewal of the landmark building. 

“The work the Opera House has already done to digitally map the entire structure – combined with Laing O’Rourke’s Digital Engineering expertise – will help deliver the best result for the venue’s 8.2 million annual visitors, thousands of performers and the wider Australian community, who all feel a sense of ownership over the UNESCO World Heritage site," said Mr O'Rourke. 

The first element of construction will be the second largest internal value at the Opera House, the Joan Sutherland Theatre upgrade. The performance space will be closed from May to December 2017 to replace its end of life equipment.

We hope the renewal program will allow local contractors to target opportunities in the project's supply chain. Make sure you know how to communicate your capabilities effectively to those that can potentially use your products and services. Simply download the template below!