Working Inside an Icon: Innovatus Delivers a Modern Kitchen in the Sydney Opera House
Introduction
At Innovatus Projects, we’re passionate about spaces that elevate experiences. Few places in Australia are as revered as the Sydney Opera House, so when we were given the opportunity to upgrade its Green Room café and commercial kitchen, we knew this wasn’t just any project. It was a rare chance to deliver something extraordinary within a world-class heritage environment.
The Challenge: Heritage, Operations & Precision
Delivered over 22 weeks with a value of $2.7 million under a GC21 contract alongside SJB Architects and the Sydney Opera House Authority, this project was anything but straightforward.
- Heritage-sensitive work: Every alteration required respect for one of the globe’s most recognised landmarks.
- Live, operational environment: The cafe remained open throughout so every stage needed planning to keep disruptions to performers, staff, and visitors to an absolute minimum.
- Major system upgrades: From a full strip-out to installing a new commercial kitchen and café area, decommissioning gas services, to increasing power capacity by 300%, and overhauling waste and grease systems. Each upgrade demanded precision and careful coordination.
What Made It Work: Strategy + Communication
A project of this nature thrives based on seamless alignment across all stakeholders. Detailed, staged delivery plans and constant engagement with the Opera House’s team ensured we stayed in sync every step of the way, combining technical accountability with adaptability.
A Word from the Founder
“Innovating inside one of Australia’s most iconic heritage buildings was a true testament to what our team is capable of: Precision, respect, and problem‑solving, all under real‑world constraints. It showcases what Innovatus Projects is all about.” — Nick Halakatevakis, Founder of Innovatus Projects
Why It Matters
This project is more than just a case study, it’s a cornerstone of our reputation. Successfully delivering a highly technical, operational fit-out within a live and heritage-listed site puts Innovatus in rare company and strengthens our credibility for similarly complex challenges.
Next Steps & Visit the Project Page
Want to explore the technical snapshot and visuals? Head over to our Projects page for the full specs, photos, and impact. From there, if you’re planning your next high-stakes fit-out, especially in heritage or live settings, our team is ready to help bring it to life.