Main event hall (pictured) features nine of 13 sculptural trees, each made out of 115 interlocking timber pieces. Photo Credit: Infrastructure NSW
A cavern carved into sandstone beneath Barangaroo Reserve on Sydney Harbour has been reborn as a compelling new event destination.
First launched in 2015, Cutaway was always envisioned as a cultural venue, but early use was limited by its open-air structure, acoustics and lack of amenities.
Its total fit-out was completed in April 2026, led by fjcstudio (formerly FJMT), working in collaboration with First Nations design studio Bangawarra. The project delivery was overseen by Infrastructure NSW.
Boost in event-functionality
Formerly open spaces are now equipped with a two-layer glazing system that enhances acoustics while drawing in natural light.
Overhead rigging points have also been added to support lighting, sound, and suspended installations, enabling more visually captivating event production.
The venue has also been upgraded for accessibility, with lifts linking the basement car park to the parkland above, and step-free access from the Barangaroo Metro Station, Architecture Australia reported.
Entrance to Cutaway located near Barangaroo Metro stationNew waterfront landmark
The transformation places Cutaway in league with the Sydney Opera House as one of the great cultural and event locations on the shore of Sydney Harbour, NSW Premier Chris Minns was quoted as saying.
Embedded in sandstone at the harbour’s edge, with a dramatic exposed rock wall and skylights opening the space to the sky above, the refreshed venue features three skylights made out of 98 glass panels spanning 76 lineal metres.
Adding to the visual spectacle is a 14m-tall sandstone feature wall, as well as bronze spiral stairs that appear to float between two levels.
A defining design highlight is the sculptural timer tree. A total of 13 of the trees surround pillars at Cutaway: nine in the main event hall, three in the pre-function space, and one at the main entrance.
10,000sqm of event space
Besides the main event hall and pre-function space framed by sandstone and soaring timber, Cutaway also offers planners gallery and exhibition rooms for smaller-scale activations; a dedicated First Nations education space; and two mezzanine levels that allow simultaneous or layered programming.
Cutaway’s event venues cover 10,000sqm of space across three levels, with combined capacity for 3,000 attendees.
Holding strong in sustainability, the venue operates on 100% renewable energy, uses seawater cooling, and targets a 6-star Green Star rating.