Barangaroo’s Cutaway Events Hall Completes Renovation

The fitout of Barangaroo’s Cutaway, transforming the concrete shell into a purpose-built events and tourism space just metres from a Metro station, has completed.

The 10,000sq m event space by Infrastructure NSW will now be able to operate 24/7, accommodating up to 3000 visitors for arts, cultural and major events. 

The FJC Studio design, in collaboration FDC Construction & Fitout, and Shannon Foster and Jake Nash, focused on First Nations expression and sustainability. The renovation’s cost was initially estimated at $50 million, but has reportedly doubled to $100 million.

▲ The renovation of the concrete shell has improved acoustic performance.

Up to 115 timber pieces join the 13 sculptural trees that form the architectural centrepiece, with each piece between 7 and 17m tall, and weighing up to 950kg.

Facilities including dressing and green rooms, a commercial kitchen and a ticketing office will allow the Cutaway to function flexibly as a live music performance space, art gallery, or an event or exhibition hall.

Open voids in the space and two mezzanine levels have been enclosed by double glazing, emphasising natural light while improving acoustic performance.

NSW premier Chris Minns compared the Cutaway to 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”.

▲ The FJC Studios design emphasised natural light, sustainability, the retention of exposed sandstone and First Nations cultural expression.

“This extraordinary space is unlike anything else in Australia—deeply connected to Sydney, architecturally striking and built to host major events that draw visitors, investment and creative talent to our city,” Minns said.

The renovation arrives as Barangaroo's development era comes to a close. Aqualand won concept approval in February 2025 for the final piece of the 5.2ha Central Barangaroo site, potentially generating $2.26 billion of economic value. Meanwhile, Lendlease completed the 15-year, $6-billion Barangaroo South precinct development in November 2025.

Night-time economy minister John Graham said that given the Cutaway’s location, overlooking Sydney Harbour and adjacent to the Barangaroo Metro station, “[i]t will be a very welcome boost for the creative industries and the night-time and visitor economies”.

The CBD night-time economy has struggled in the wake of post-Covid changes to work and entertainment patterns, but the NSW government has targeted an additional 40,000 hotel rooms over the decade to 2035. So-called “vibrancy reforms” under the Minns government have rolled back the O’Farrell-era lockout laws. 

Deicorp is among others replacing offices with hotels in new developments, while offshore investors are pouring in. However, hotel transactions and room yields are more likely to benefit than new developments, some sector analysts say.

▲ Sydney nightlife has struggled, but hotel rooms remain in short supply.