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The NSW Labor government is holding steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a vibrant 24-hour economy returns to the streets of Sydney.
So much so that Planning Minister Paul Scully has recently overturned the introduction of a midnight curfew at the soon-to-be-opened Cutaway arts and culture space in Barangaroo.
Initially, the Cutaway was slated to be a 24-hour venue fit to host festivals, installations and community events, but mounting pressure from local residents forced Placemaking NSW – the government agency overseeing the project – to introduce a curfew.
In a bold move, Minister Scully recently stepped in and overturned the curfew, citing his government’s strong stance on ensuring Sydney’s once-thriving nightlife is given a chance to make a comeback.
Scully rejected the residents’ plea for peace and quiet, doubling down on his support for the Cutaway to operate day and night.
“The new and improved Cutaway will support everything from festivals and installations to community gatherings and contemporary performance, and following my request, it can operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week as needed,” he said.
“We will be maximising the benefit of this venue, given the significant taxpayer investment made, to allow it to host events that support Sydney’s growing events calendar.”
Naturally, local residents in the area surrounding the Cutaway were displeased with the government’s decision, with Millers Point Community Resident Action Group president Anne Crabb telling the Sydney Morning Herald she is “extremely disappointed” with the outcome.
She went on to say the “extended hours at this enormous, cavernous venue next to Millers Point homes will result in the erosion of residential amenity, particularly during the sensitive midnight to 7am period.”
In any case, the Cutaway project will forge ahead, with the $100 million renovation underneath Barangaroo’s headland park well underway in preparation for the first events in May.
Time Out’s editor Avril Treasure recently got a sneak peek of The Cutaway and learned about the incredible acoustics designed to ensure neighbours won’t hear the noise – including two layers of glass separated by an air pocket to improve sound insulation, while also enhancing natural light. During the months-long testing period, the team was proud to say they had no noise complaints.
Bring on the gigs and fun, we say.
You can learn more over here.
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