Ian Cashen, Executive Director, Building, Safety and Security, Sydney Opera House
The ‘Decade of Renewal’ saw the successful delivery of the largest capital investment in the Sydney Opera House since its original construction. It commenced with the completion of a new underground loading dock and culminated with the successful refurbishment of the Concert Hall, addressing long standing issues with acoustics, safety and equitable access to the largest internal venue. In addition to these flagship projects, the full program saw many other parts of the building and precinct upgraded to improve safety, technical capacity and access. The presentation will showcase the program and outcomes, as well as the meticulous design and planning process guided by key foundational frameworks such as the Utzon Design Principles, Conservation Management Plan and Strategic Building Plan.

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With formal training as a civil engineer, Ian has more than 20 years’ experience in construction and asset management. Ian’s experience spans the asset lifecycle including the development of strategies, planning and delivery of capital projects, and operations and maintenance management.

Ian joined the Sydney Opera House in 2016 after 12 years with infrastructure advisory firm Evans & Peck (now known as Advisian). Ian was a Principal of the firm responsible for providing a range of high value advisory services to clients as well managing the operations of the NSW branch comprising of 70 consulting staff.

Ian’s earlier career included experience in design and project management of high profile projects including a number of the Sydney Olympics venues. With this as a foundation Ian developed broader expertise, fulfilling leadership roles for delivery of major projects as well as reform initiatives for improving operations and maintenance of major assets.