The space, which sits below parklands at Barangaroo on Sydney Harbour, has been closed for major renovations since May 2024. Once it reopens this year, it will be able to accommodate events of up to 3,000 people.
The refurbished space includes 10,000m2 of event space across three floors, including two mezzanine levels.
The large-scale space will be operated by Sydney’s convention centre, ICC Sydney, and is capable of hosting gala dinners, corporate launches and other business events, alongside public events and festivals.
“Legends Global, as the world’s largest venue operator, brings decades of experience and we are proud to extend the excellence achieved at ICC Sydney to now include The Cutaway,” said Legends Global president and chief executive for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, Harvey Lister AM.
“We are honoured to support the NSW Government in realising its vision for this landmark space, as The Cutaway represents a significant cultural investment for New South Wales. It is a privilege to help shape such a unique venue that will serve both Sydneysiders and international visitors for generations to come.”
Formerly a concrete shell, The Cutaway at Barangaroo now offers a commercial kitchen, green rooms and dressing rooms. Within the new design, aside from the main event hall, there is pre-function space, gallery and exhibition rooms and a flexible education space. Rigging infrastructure is also part of The Cutaway.
Significant improvements have been made to the acoustics of the venue, by closing the open voids with two layers of glass.
“This world-class indoor cultural venue shows what’s possible when we invest in great design, sustainability and culture,” said the NSW minister for tourism, lands and property, Steve Kamper.
Despite opposition, which was quashed by the NSW planning minister, Paul Scully, the venue will be able to operate without a curfew.
“The new Cutaway space joins 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,” said the NSW Premier, Chris Minns.
“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.”
Business Events Sydney’s Global Ambassador Dinner is set to be one of the test events for The Cutaway.
