From Boots to Ballet

Entrance to the new Thomas Dixon Centre, credit: Johnny Harkin.

Karen Sweaney discovers how the Thomas Dixon Centre, Queensland Ballet’s home since 1991, has been repurposed into a contemporary performing arts centre

Home to Queensland Ballet for the last 30 years, Brisbane’s Thomas Dixon Centre has reopened as a world-class performing arts destination and culture precinct following a $100 million refurbishment.

With an innovative design combining the old and the new, the site has been revitalised with the addition of a threestorey extension offering a new theatre for 350 patrons, six dance studios, a performance and wellness centre, expanded wardrobe and production facilities, a roof terrace, cafe and function spaces.

Five historic air raid shelters have also been converted into a ‘bunker bar’ that will be ready to host exclusive hospitality experiences from next year.

Adjoining the main 110-year-old venue, a former boot factory built in 1908, the new additions are set back from the heritage structure, creating a central promenade and focal point for the building. With a design sympathetic to the building’s historic details they take account of what Queensland Ballet’s former Head of Building Precincts and Projects Lucas Gilroy, described as the “complexities of the workflows and operations”.

Designed by architects Conrad Gargett and built by construction company Hansen Yuncken, another project objective was to provide the public with a rare glimpse of ballet beyond the stage, retaining a sense of mystique and intrigue while offering viewing opportunities into the costume workshop and dance studios.

Prior to the refurbishment, as Queensland Ballet began to outgrow the site, various options were explored, including the possibility of the company’s relocation after 30 years at the site. The redevelopment, which began in 2019, represents the culmination of 10 years of fundraising by Queensland Ballet - with support from the Queensland Government and Federal Government – enabling the company to stay in its Brisbane West End location.

Artistic Director of Queensland Ballet, Li Cunxin AO sees that the project marks the realisation of a vision to make the centre a venue for all, advising “the redevelopment of this historic building is a truly transformational moment for the arts in Brisbane.

“More than an incredible home for Queensland Ballet … as a centre for culture and community (it) will impact the Brisbane artistic landscape for years to come.”

Queensland Ballet Executive Director, Dilshani Weerasinghe pointed out that the venue now incorporates spaces to ensure it is a destination for all, adding “engagement activities within Thomas Dixon Centre - which include hospitality spaces and opportunities for the arts sector and our broader community - are designed to enable access for as many as possible.”

While restoring the site’s heritage to its former glory was critical to the redevelopment, the Centre will also be the first performing arts building in the world to achieve the WELL™ accreditation - a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that prioritise the health and well-being of occupants.

Hansen Yuncken Chief Executive, Peter Salveson sees that redevelopment is indicative of revitalisation in the arts sector, stating “the Thomas Dixon Centre is the first in a wave of both new and reimagined cultural centres that will play a huge role in bringing Australia’s arts and entertainment back to life.”

Looking forward, Salveson added “the opportunity to develop landmark cultural hubs is an exciting step forward as Australia recovers from a challenging couple of years.

“It’s time for buildings like the Thomas Dixon Centre to set the stage for the nation’s artistic revival.”

The Centre’s new 350-seat-theatre (above and below), credit: Chris Wardle.

Conrad Gargett has completed the refurbishment of the historic home of Queensland Ballet.