The first of 13 sculptural timber elements have now been installed on the new Cutaway at Barangaroo, marking a major milestone in work to strengthen Sydney’s reputation as a world-class events and tourism destination.
The installation of these elements marks 85 per cent completion of the project and offers a first look at what will soon be one of Sydney’s most unique cultural and event spaces.
Once complete, The Cutaway will enhance Barangaroo’s standing as a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike, becoming Sydney’s premier venue for events, exhibitions, festivals and installations.
This project is part of the NSW Government’s broader effort to recharge Sydney’s vibrancy, boosting the visitor economy by relaxing restrictions on nighttime trading, lifting concert caps, and investing in world-class events and attractions across the state.
The 13 sculptural timber ‘trees’ form the centrepiece of the design, each standing 16 metres tall and made from up to 150 precision-crafted timber pieces. Beyond their architectural beauty, the structures also enhance the venue’s acoustics through perforated plywood and insulation.
Guided by principles of Connecting with Country, the redesign draws on deep collaboration with First Nations designers Shannon Foster and Jake Nash. The transformed Cutaway will reflect the curved forms of the giba-gunya (rock shelter), creating a space that is both welcoming and culturally resonant.
In line with Barangaroo’s sustainability goals, the project has achieved impressive environmental outcomes, diverting over 90 per cent of construction waste from landfill, cutting carbon emissions by more than 50 per cent, and sourcing all timber sustainably.
When completed in early 2026, The Cutaway will feature:
- Two versatile event levels with flexible spaces
- A grand main hall showcasing the original sandstone wall
- Improved natural light and acoustic performance
- Kitchen, green room and back-of-house facilities to support premium events
Event programming is set to begin next year.
Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, said that projects like The Cutaway show what’s possible when government invests in world-class venues that attract visitors, create jobs and re-energise the nighttime economy.
“We’re rebuilding Sydney’s vibrancy by backing our creative industries, our venues and our local jobs,” Minns said.
NSW Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper, said that the new and improved Cutaway is set to become the beating heart of Barangaroo, drawing crowds from far and wide and providing a major boost to the local precinct and businesses.
“Delivering this new unique venue will ensure Barangaroo is a must-visit destination,” Kamper said.
“Once completed, it will be another iconic institution set on Sydney’s harbour, hosting a diverse range of events, that will really assist in unlocking the potential of the precinct.”
NSW Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and Night-time Economy, John Graham, said that the design of the Cutaway maximises the potential of the space, transforming it into a globally attractive venue for arts and culture.
“Located in a culturally significant location and redesigned in collaboration with First Nations practitioners, the Cutaway will feature First Nations arts and culture programming.”
