The Cutaway at Barangaroo has officially reached completion, marking a major milestone in the transformation of a once raw underground space into one of Sydney’s most distinctive cultural venues. Originally carved into sandstone beneath Barangaroo Reserve in 2015, the site has now been fully developed into a large‑scale, flexible destination for arts, events, and community use.

From Raw Cavern to Cultural Destination

What began as a vast, unfinished concrete shell has been reimagined into a purpose‑built venue designed to host a wide variety of events. The completed project reflects years of planning, design collaboration, and construction effort led by Infrastructure NSW alongside key partners.

Positioned on Sydney Harbour’s edge, the Cutaway is now a central part of Barangaroo’s evolution into a major cultural and lifestyle precinct.

Flexible Spaces for Events of All Scales

The Cutaway spans approximately 10,000 square metres across three levels, offering highly adaptable spaces that can operate independently or together. 

Key features include:

• A large main event hall
• Gallery and exhibition rooms
• A pre-function and lobby area
• A First Nations education space
• Full back-of-house facilities and accessibility features throughout

The venue is designed to support everything from small exhibitions to major concerts, markets, and festivals. 

Design Rooted in Culture and Place

The architectural design, led by fjcstudio in collaboration with First Nations contributors including Shannon Foster and artist Jake Nash, draws strongly from Indigenous cultural narratives and the natural environment. 

Key design elements include:

• Curved, cave-like interiors reflecting traditional rock shelters
• Dramatic sandstone walls integrated into the structure
• Sculptural timber “tree” installations
• Large skylights bringing natural light into the cavern

Together, these features embed storytelling, heritage, and connection to Country into the building’s identity.

Sustainability and Innovation

Sustainability has been a central focus of the project, with the venue incorporating several advanced environmental features:

• Fully electric systems powered by renewable energy
• Seawater cooling drawn from Sydney Harbour
• Targeting a 6-Star Green Star Buildings rating
• Design strategies that minimise environmental impact and enhance efficiency

The Cutaway also prioritises universal accessibility, ensuring the space is inclusive and usable for all visitors.

Opening and Future Use

Following completion, the venue has been handed over to Placemaking NSW. A community event is planned for May 2026, with bookings for events set to open from 1 August 2026.

With its scale, flexibility, and distinctive design, the Cutaway is expected to play a key role in Sydney’s cultural landscape, supporting creative industries, attracting visitors, and strengthening the city’s event offering.

Source: Infrastructure NSW