Venue Hire
Set within Sydney’s iconic Walsh Bay Arts Precinct and moments from Circular Quay, The Rocks and Barangaroo, this beautifully restored 1920s warehouse-turned-theatre offers a collection of three distinctive venues, complemented by a range of flexible smaller spaces.
Each space has been thoughtfully designed to balance rich architectural character with world-class technical capabilities, enabling sophisticated theming and seamless event delivery. From large-scale productions to intimate gatherings, the venue adapts effortlessly to bring every client’s vision to life.
ACO On The Pier offers a rare combination of creative energy meets refined design - with harbourside outlooks, warm interior finishes and highly versatile layouts, every event is elevated into a truly distinctive and memorable experience.
Our venue team is here to guide you every step of the day – please get in touch to discuss your event needs.
Explore our spaces through 360-degree videos.
The Neilson
The Neilson sets the stage for unforgettable events. A flexible auditorium with balcony seating, The Neilson’s superior acoustic and technical facilities enable intricate theming of any event.
Key Features
• 204sqm at stage level
• Retractable raked seating bank for flexible set-ups
• State of the art lighting, sound, and video projection
• Recording and live streaming capabilities
• Automated anti-glare or block out blinds
• Harbour views
Capacity
Seated – 277 comprising; Seating Bank: 123 | Balcony: 80 | Flexible Rows: 74
Standing – Up to 350 for Cocktail / In-The-Round pending layout
Belgiorno Room
Key Features
• A spacious 215sqm with its own 38sqm private balcony
• Panoramic Sydney Harbour views
• Commercial bar and kitchen
• Ceiling-mounted lighting and audio
• Rigging options available
Capacity
Cocktail – 220 | Banquet – 120 | Theatre – 150 | Balcony – 50
The Studio
The Studio is an impressive setting for intimate gatherings. Light, airy and flexible, The Studio is grand enough to fit a grand piano, yet small enough to feel inviting. With Sydney Harbour views, high-quality acoustics and its own anteroom, The Studio can easily be adapted to suit professional and social occasions.
Key Features
• Lends itself to versatile set-ups at 104sqm
• Floor-to-ceiling glass panels overlook Sydney Harbour Bridge
• An anteroom extends the space to accommodate casual catering options
• Automated anti-glare or block-out blinds provide privacy and comfort
• Recording and live-streaming capabilities facilitate interactive hybrid conferencing
Capacity
Cocktail – 80 | Theatre – 80 | Banquet – 120
Additional Spaces
Practice Room
The Practice Rooms thoughtfully blend functionality with artistic expression. Ideal for small breakout sessions and interviews, their acoustic design ensures excellent sound quality and enhances privacy.
Dressing Room
The Dressing Room is a purposefully designed backstage retreat. Equipped with mirrored booths for hair and makeup preparation and private bathrooms and showers. The Dressing Room ensures that every detail is taken care of.
Green Room
More than just a typical pre-show holding area, The Green Room is a thoughtfully designed space that offers comfort and modern sophistication.
Catering
ACO On The Pier collaborates with an exclusive panel of caterers to provide exceptional food and beverage experiences. Whether it’s boxed lunches, elegant canapés, or full sit-down dinners, each catering partner on our panel has been carefully selected for their expertise, quality, and outstanding service.
ACO On The Pier’s Catering Panel:
• Plated
• Cook & Waiter
• The Fresh Collective
• Laissez Faire Catering
• Two Good Co.
Our Venue Hire team will assist you to choose the perfect catering partner for your event.
Equipment & Recording
From tables and chairs to state-of-the-art audiovisual tools, ACO On The Pier offers a comprehensive range of equipment for hire, ensuring your event setup is seamless and efficient.
For those seeking a high-spec environment to bring creative projects to life, our Media Suite features a cutting-edge audio recording system. Additionally, audio activities in The Neilson, Belgiorno Room, and The Studio can be recorded, providing versatile solutions for all your production needs.
Our Precinct
ACO On The Pier is proud to be a part of the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, a vibrant cultural hub on Sydney Harbour. Our friends and neighbours include some of Australia’s most iconic arts organisations, such as the Sydney Theatre Company, Sydney Dance Company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Gondwana Choirs, The Song Company, Bell Shakespeare and the Australian Theatre for Young People.
Located on Pier 2/3, ACO On The Pier stands on a rejuvenated, heritage-listed 1920s timber wharf. In redeveloping the site, the award-winning architectural firm, Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, took the utmost care to design a collection of venues that balance the industrial character of the wharf with cutting-edge facilities. The result is a beautiful, sustainable, contemporary design that maximises its relationship to water.
Conveniently situated near Sydney’s Central Business District, ACO On The Pier is within walking distance of Barangaroo Station and Circular Quay. For those driving, the nearest parking facility is Wilson Parking at Bond One.
The Walsh Bay Arts Precinct is on Gadigal land, known by the Aboriginal names of Tar-ra and Tullagalla.
Contact
For further information or to discuss hiring our spaces, please email [email protected], or call 0404 668 396.
The program of events at ACO On The Pier, including venue hires and ACO-presented performances, is developed in line with our artistic and event strategy. Any events, both private and public-facing, require approval from our Artistic and Executive teams prior to being scheduled.