The New South Wales (NSW) state government in Australia has announced that the transformation of the Cutaway at Barangaroo into a cultural destination has reached the halfway mark.
The Cutaway, which initially opened in 2015 as a raw concrete shell, is being upgraded to improve its usability.
The new design includes an enclosed space, enhanced acoustics, and flexible event spaces, as well as new amenities.
The project aligns with Barangaroo’s sustainability principles, having marked environmental milestones such as diverting over 90% of construction waste from landfills and reducing carbon emissions by more than 50% compared to standard benchmarks.
Plans for Central Barangaroo were approved this February, and with the city’s Metro now functional, the NSW Government stated that the revamped Cutaway is poised to become the heart of the precinct.
NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said: “There is no doubt that once completed the Cutaway will be the beating heart of the Barangaroo entertainment precinct.
“The new spaces and improved functionality will make the Cutaway a centrepiece for our community, enhancing Barangaroo’s status as a must-visit destination for cultural and event experiences.”
This transformation is part of the state government’s broader initiative to revitalise Sydney’s nightlife and visitor economy by relaxing restrictions on nighttime trading and outdoor dining, as well as lifting concert caps at major venues.
FDC Construction & Fitout, an independently owned company, is delivering the project.
Meanwhile, design company FJC Studio is responsible for the multidisciplinary design that caters to the key needs of the space.
The completion of the construction is anticipated in late 2025, with event programming set to commence in 2026.
FDC Construction & Fitout project director 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.”
