The Cutaway project

The Cutaway is a Barangaroo events and cultural space carved from the sandstone underneath Barangaroo Reserve.

The Cutaway

The Cutaway is a unique cultural venue that sits below the eastern end of Barangaroo Reserve and features an enormous sandstone wall that opens to the sky. It is one of Sydney's premier cultural destinations and offers versatile spaces and amenities to host a range of events, exhibitions, performances and more. 

It is situated on Sydney’s waterfront and on the doorstep of the Barangaroo Metro station.

The design

The fitout design is a collaboration between fjcstudio, Shannon Foster of Bangawarra, and artist Jake Nash.

The design reveals the memories of Salt Water Country through soft, natural forms. Curved, cave-like interiors reference giba gunya (rock shelters), while sculptural timber trees evoke the space beneath the Damun (Port Jackson Fig). 

Themes of nature, culture and connection are woven throughout the building. Guided by deep First Nations engagement, Connecting with Country principles, and a strong commitment to sustainability, the design seeks to celebrate Aboriginal cultural history, and create a space that is flexible, inclusive and memorable for future generations.

Learn more about the design.

Key design features

  • Three skylights made of 98 individual glass panels and spanning 76 lineal metres
  • The 14m tall sandstone feature wall
  • Bronze spiral stairs (pictured) that appear as floating stairs between levels
  • 13 beautifully sculptural timber trees surround the concrete pillars with nine in the main event hall, three in the pre‑function space, and one at the entrance. 

The fitout

The fitout has created a large ~10,000m2 space over three levels. Spaces can be scaled down for intimate gatherings, scaled up for major public events, operate individually or in combination.

Spaces include main event hall, pre-function space, two gallery rooms and a gallery lobby and dedicated First Nations education space.

Extensive back-of-house supporting infrastructure includes dressing rooms, a commercial kitchen, green room, ticketing office, cloak room and event control room. Accessible amenities on all levels and public lifts connect all levels from the basement carpark to Barangaroo Reserve, ensuring full accessibility across the venue.

Learn more about the construction of the fitout.

Sustainability

Sustainability quick facts:

  • Targeting 6-star Green Star Buildings rating (As‑Built)
  • Powered by 100% renewable energy
  • Environmental benefits of carbon capture by retaining the sandstone wall and its roof opening for solar access, are preserved in the architectural design
  • The building is naturally cooled with seawater from the harbour and includes shared infrastructure with the Barangaroo Metro Station
  • Certified ‘Changing Places’ facility supports universal access  
  • Low‑toxicity materials selected to minimise indoor pollutants.
FAQs
For infomation on how to book the venue, go to The Cutaway venue.
Barangaroo Metro Station is located directly opposite the ground level Cutaway entrance. For more information go to Plan your visit.

The Cutaway will be a multi-purpose cultural facility suitable for a range of cultural, artistic and commercial functions. It will be able to host a range of events including markets, functions, art shows and concerts. The dedicated First Nations education space and gallery rooms can host smaller, temporary exhibitions and events.