Sydney has taken a major leap forward in its bid to dominate the global cultural stage. The NSW Government has officially unveiled the completed transformation of The Cutaway in Barangaroo—turning a massive subterranean concrete space beneath Barangaroo Reserve into a world-class, multi-purpose arts venue.
With the approval to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, The Cutaway gives Sydney a flexible, large-scale destination capable of hosting top-tier festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and immersive art installations.
Key Features & Design Highlights
- Massive Capacity: Spanning over 10,000 m2, the multi-level venue can host up to 3,000 visitors at once.
- Striking Architecture: Designed by fjcstudio in collaboration with Shannon Foster and Jake Nash, the space features 13 majestic, sculptural timber “trees” (crafted from up to 115 individual timber pieces each) that integrate First Nations cultural design.
- State-of-the-Art Sound: Open voids have been sealed with double-layered glass separated by sound-isolating air pockets, creating premium interior acoustics ideal for live music and performances.
- Seamless Connectivity: Located next to the new Barangaroo Metro Station, visitors from Sydney’s North West and South West can reach the venue in approximately 30 minutes.
Purpose-Built for Major Events
Delivered by Infrastructure NSW alongside FDC Construction & Fitout, the upgraded venue is fully equipped with back-of-house and event infrastructure, including:
- Main event halls & exhibition galleries
- A dedicated ticketing office and multi-purpose educational space
- Green rooms, dressing rooms, and a commercial kitchen
- Step-free accessibility, public lifts connecting to the parkland above, and accessible facilities throughout
What’s Next?
Following its unveiling, final event preparations will wrap up ahead of opening for event bookings on August 1, 2026.
More details and booking information can be found at the NSW Government | The Cutaway portal.
