Cutaway transformation in Sydney’s Barangaroo reaches major milestone

The next piece of the Barangaroo puzzle is taking shape, with the bespoke fitout transforming the Cutaway at Barangaroo into a premier cultural destination reaching the halfway mark.

With the metro open, and Central Barangaroo given the green light, the new and improved Cutaway is set to be the beating heart of the Barangaroo precinct.

Delivered by FDC Construction and designed by FJC Studio, this ambitious project is reshaping the iconic space into an outstanding venue for events, exhibitions, festivals and installations.

The fitout design marries functionality with creativity, celebrates heritage, and prioritises sustainability, setting a benchmark for world-class venue spaces.

The Cutaway first opened in 2015 as a raw concrete shell and is now undergoing a visionary upgrade to address key needs to improve its functionality, including an enclosed space, enhanced acoustic capabilities, flexible event spaces and new amenities.

Inspired by themes of ‘wound and healing’, the design pays tribute to Barangaroo’s Salt Water Country and honours First Nations culture, connecting the venue to its natural and cultural roots.

Key features and design highlights

• Versatile event spaces: The existing space is being reconfigured to create two new internal levels offering a variety of spaces including the main event hall, a pre-function space, a temporary gallery, a lobby and a dedicated First Nations education space. The much-loved sandstone wall remains a centre piece of the main event hall.
• Architectural timber trees: Thirteen timber trees reaching up to 13 metres in height and clad onto existing concrete columns blend engineering brilliance with natural elegance.
• Natural light and acoustic excellence: Three existing voids near the sandstone wall are being reimagined to enhance natural light. Skylights will ensure sunlight access while maintaining acoustic separation from the street and protecting the event hall from weather.

Aligned with Barangaroo’s sustainability principles, the project has achieved several remarkable environmental milestones including diverting over 90% of construction waste from landfill, and reduction of carbon emissions by more than 50% as compared with standard benchmarks.

Construction is expected to be completed in late 2025, with event programming to commence in 2026.

The Cutaway’s transformation will strengthen Barangaroo’s reputation as a cultural hub and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

Infrastructure NSW Head of Projects Bruno Zinghini said:

“We’re excited to witness the transformation of the Cutaway as it evolves from a raw concrete shell into a prestige event space.

“This redevelopment not only preserves the Cutaway’s unique architectural and natural features but also enhances its functionality, ensuring it remains a one-of-a-kind venue.

“The newly enhanced Cutaway will further elevate Barangaroo’s reputation as a dynamic harbourside destination, one that seamlessly combines world-class visual arts, cultural experiences, and community engagement. We look forward to seeing the Cutaway inspire creativity and connection for years to come.”

Project Director FDC Construction Emma Thomy said:

“At FDC, we are honoured to be part of the reimagination of the Cutaway into an iconic cultural destination and are excited to continue our longstanding collaboration with the New South Wales Government to create new spaces for Sydney’s thriving arts and culture sector.

“We’re making excellent progress, with half of the fitout now complete, including the internal mezzanine structure, feature cladding underway to the entrance, skylight install nearing completion and fitout works now commencing. The Cutaway is a once in a lifetime project, a masterclass of innovative and sustainable construction set to become a significant cultural landmark for our city.”