The Cutaway Unleashed: Sydney’s Massive New Cultural Epicenter
BARANGAROO, SYDNEY – Thursday, 16 April 2026
Sydney’s cultural landscape reached a soaring milestone today as the Minns Labor Government officially unveiled the completed transformation of The Cutaway at Barangaroo. Formerly a raw concrete shell, the site has been reborn as a world-class, 24/7 arts and events destination, poised to inject a new wave of energy into the harbor city’s nighttime economy.
A Ceremony Rooted in Culture
The morning began with a moving Smoking Ceremony led by First Nations elders, cleansing the space and honoring the Gadigal land on which the venue sits. The ceremony underscored a core theme of the project: the embedding of Indigenous expression into the very fabric of the architecture.
Following the ceremony, the atmosphere turned electric with a series of high-caliber performances:
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The Sydney Dance Company delivered a breathtaking contemporary piece that utilized the venue’s expansive new floor space.
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A local choir filled the subterranean hall, showcasing the site’s significantly refined acoustics.
The Official Opening
The event reached its pinnacle when Premier Chris Minns took to the stage alongside Minister for Planning Paul Scully. Addressing the crowd, the Premier highlighted the venue’s role in the government’s broader mission to recharge Sydney’s vibrancy.
The proceedings concluded with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by the Premier, officially declaring The Cutaway open to the public and the global events industry.
Press conference and Announcement made by the Premier of NSW’s and his Ministers at the Cutting,Barangaroo
A Venue Without Limits
With a capacity of 3,000 people, The Cutaway is now equipped with:
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Purpose-built facilities: Including a commercial kitchen, green rooms, and a dedicated ticketing office.
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24/7 Operations: Following a strategic intervention by Minister Scully, the venue is authorized to operate around the clock, defying previous restrictions to support Sydney’s “always-on” global status.
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Unrivaled Access: Located steps from the Barangaroo Metro Station, the venue is now a mere 30-minute journey for residents in Sydney’s North West and South West.
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Architectural Excellence
Delivered by Infrastructure NSW in partnership with FDC Construction & Fitout, the design was led by fjcstudio in collaboration with Shannon Foster and Jake Nash. The result is a seamless blend of industrial scale and sustainable, sophisticated finishes that honor the site’s history while looking firmly toward its future.
“The Cutaway is no longer just a space; it is a statement,” said Minister Paul Scully. “By relaxing restrictions and investing in world-class infrastructure, we are ensuring Sydney remains the premier destination for festivals, exhibitions, and creativity in the Southern Hemisphere.”
