Barangaroo is having a moment. With the new metro station boosting access and its long-awaited cultural space, The Cutaway, now complete, the precinct is ready to step into the spotlight.
Originally opened in 2015 as a raw concrete shell, The Cutaway has now been reimagined into a sleek, fully functioning venue. As the Labor Government continues to ease restrictions on nighttime trading and outdoor dining, alongside lifting concert caps at major venues, there’s growing expectation it will cement its place as Barangaroo’s premier cultural destination.
The newly revamped Cutaway is set to become a vibrant, one-of-a-kind hub within the waterfront precinct. With a 24/7 operating licence, Sydney’s newest arts, cultural and events space will launch with a weekend of creativity and celebration this May.
The free opening event will feature live music alongside access to the new gallery spaces, workshops and tours. The Cutaway will then undergo final event preparations over the coming months and open from August 1 for bookings.
Key features of the Cutaway:
- Size and capacity: 10,000 sqm of event space across two mezzanine levels, accommodating up to 3,000 people.
- Architectural features: 13 sculptural timber trees, each made from up to 115 pieces, ranging from 7 to 17 metres tall.
- Flexible event spaces: Includes a main hall, pre-function area, gallery and exhibition rooms, plus back-of-house facilities like a commercial kitchen, dressing rooms and education space.
- Accessibility: Step-free access from Barangaroo Metro Station, lifts throughout the venue and accessible amenities.
- Acoustics: Double-layered glass with an air gap improves sound quality while still allowing natural light in.
The design
The fitout of The Cutaway was designed in collaboration between fjcstudio, Shannon Foster of Bangawarra, and artist Jake Nash.
The design draws on the stories of Saltwater Country through soft, natural shapes. Curved, cave-like interiors reference traditional rock shelters, while timber structures are inspired by the space beneath the Port Jackson Fig tree.
Themes of nature, culture and connection run throughout. Guided by strong First Nations input and a focus on sustainability, the space celebrates Aboriginal heritage while creating a flexible, inclusive and memorable place for future generations.
Key design features include three skylights made up of 98 individual glass panels, a striking 14-metre-tall sandstone feature wall, and bronze spiral stairs that appear to float between levels.
Throughout the space, 13 sculptural timber trees wrap around the concrete pillars, nine in the main event hall, three in the pre-function area and one at the entrance.
A new cultural icon?
The Cutaway is poised to become one of Sydney’s most exciting new destinations, drawing both locals and visitors to Barangaroo with a packed calendar of events and round-the-clock activation.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “We’ve set the Cutaway up to be a must-visit destination for locals and visitors who can expect to attend everything from festivals to art exhibitions, performances and community gatherings at the new venue.
“Now just a few weeks away from hosting its first event, the Minns Labor Government has made sure Sydney’s growing event calendar can make the most of the Cutaway, by enabling it to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week as needed.”
Minister for Jobs and Tourism, and Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper said The Cutaway is set to become “the beating heart of Barangaroo” and will help with “energising our night-time economy for years to come.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns added, “The new Cutaway space joins the Opera House as one of the great cultural and event locations on the iconic shore of Sydney Harbour – confirming Sydney’s status as a world-class city for arts, culture and major events.”
