Interior shot of The Cutaway featuring timber cultural design elements.

ICC Sydney Named as Operator of Premium Events Venue — The Cutaway

16 Apr 2026

The Consortium involving Darling Harbour Live, Placemaking NSW, and ICC Sydney, as part of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) delivering the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), has been expanded to now include the architectural landmark — The Cutaway, as part of the PPP portfolio providing a net economic benefit to the State of New South Wales, with resources and expertise shared across the existing Consortium framework.

The Consortium is proud to announce that following a ribbon cutting ceremony officiated by NSW Premier The Hon. Chris Minns MP, ministers and stakeholders this morning, ICC Sydney will become the operator of the venue from Monday 20 April 2026 as it prepares to deliver some of the nation’s biggest creative events from August 2026, that are designed to meet its mission to make a difference.

Commencing with test events, including Business Events Sydney’s Global Ambassador Dinner, The Cutaway is set to host significant events including Sydney Festival, Vivid Sydney, Biennale of Sydney along with the National Indigenous Art Fair, the Blak Markets, and festivals, immersive experiences, luxury and high-tech corporate launches, exhibitions, gala dinners and creative industry showcases.

Set beneath the green expanse of Barangaroo Reserve and moments from Sydney Harbour, The Cutaway is accessible from Barangaroo Metro Station. The venue is expected to attract thousands of visitors and be a major contributor to tourism, creative industries and the night-time economy.

Legends Global President & Chief Executive (Asia Pacific and Middle East), Harvey Lister AM said: “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. 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.”

ICC Sydney Chief Executive Officer, Adam Mather‑Brown said: “We are honoured to operate this remarkable venue, The Cutaway — and make a difference by delivering events that positively impact people, and the planet in collaboration with our Consortium partners. We look forward to welcoming clients and visitors to continue experiencing exceptional events, immersive experiences, festivals and exhibitions with ICC Sydney that ultimately leave a lasting impact. This expansion will not only inspire local and international audiences, it will also contribute to the cultural capital of our vibrant city while driving performance in the local economy through the events we host.”

First Hand Solutions CEO Peter Cooley said: “The National Indigenous Art Fair feel privileged to host artists from some of Australia’s most isolated communities in Sydney; and to provide a platform for them to promote and sell their artworks, and host workshops, talks and installations demonstrating their unique arts and cultural practices. The fact that this year’s Art Fair will launch this incredible new venue in Sydney supercharges the impact.”

Key features of The Cutaway include:

  • Size: 5,000m2 of events space.
  • Architectural features: 13 timber cultural design elements using up to 150 timber pieces puzzled together per feature. Each piece weighs between 7kg and 950kg and is between 7 and 17 metres tall.
  • Versatile event spaces: A main event space, pre-function space, gallery and exhibition rooms, a lobby, commercial kitchen, green rooms, dressing rooms, and rigging infrastructure. The much-loved sandstone wall remained a centrepiece of the main event space. There is a multi-purpose First Nations educational space.
  • Accessibility: Step free access from Barangaroo Metro Station, public lifts connecting the basement carpark right through the venue to the parkland above, and an adult Changing Place facility registered on Changing Places Australia website.
  • Premium acoustics: Existing open voids were enclosed with 3-layers of glass to improve acoustics, enhance natural light, and significantly reduce noise spill into the surrounding area.
  • Long term sustainability: All electric operations with zero fossil fuels, part of the NSW Government’s Green Product Purchase Agreement and Barangaroo’s carbon-neutral commitment.

About the Operator — ICC Sydney
Situated at the intersection of Sydney’s academic, cultural and technology precincts, ICC Sydney’s mission is to make a difference. The world class venue has long been recognised for delivering extraordinary event experiences while championing innovation, connection and community impact. As the successful operator of Darling Harbour’s iconic convention, exhibition and live events venue, the ICC Sydney team brings deep expertise, operational excellence and a proven commitment to creating memorable moments for clients and visitors alike.

ICC Sydney brings this capability to The Cutaway at Barangaroo expansion in support of the NSW Government’s vision for a more vibrant and connected Sydney, and to help realise the full potential of this remarkable venue.

With its striking architecture and prime location in the heart of Barangaroo, The Cutaway will become a premium stage for festivals, immersive experiences, corporate launches, exhibitions, gala dinners and creative industry showcases. Under ICC Sydney’s stewardship, it will be a place where local and international audiences can engage with First Nations culture, contemporary arts and the broader creative industries — all while driving strong performance in the local economy through events.

Discover The Cutaway at Barangaroo here: https://www.barangaroo.com/venues/the-cutaway.