Located in Brisbane’s inner city suburb of West End, the Thomas Dixon Centre was first constructed as a boot factory in 1908 and is an iconic landmark within its community.

Delivered in partnership with Architectus (formerly Conrad Gargett) for the State Government, refurbishment of the historical building and a modern four-storey extension has transformed the site into a world-class cultural destination, and provides a home of artistic excellence for tenant, Queensland Ballet.

As part of the redevelopment, many of the heritage listed building’s original elements were preserved and restored including the iconic red brick façade, timber columns, beams and trusses, and the five WWII air raid shelters. New glazing, natural Australian timbers, polished terrazzo concrete, and brass finishes feature heavily, and have been strategically used to tie the refurbished building to the new extension.

Enhanced community connection was a key consideration for the project

Community connection was achieved through public spaces such as a 350 seat theatre designed to enable full scale rehearsals, a community dance studio, rooftop bar and function space, luxurious amenities, a central promenade connecting the two buildings, and associated soft and hard landscaping including outdoor ‘Garden Rooms’ for the public to enjoy. Provisions were also made for the future fitout of a café, as well as a ‘Bunker’ Bar which will be housed within five historic air raid shelters.

Refined back of house spaces include a wellness suite with a cold pool and fully equipped gym, fit for purpose studios, lounges and dressing rooms for dancers, a wardrobe workroom, administration offices, and boardroom gallery.