Conrad Gargett has completed the $100 million refurbishment and extension of the historic home of Queensland Ballet.
Housed in a 110-year-old former boot factory designed by architect Richard Gailey and built in 1908, the redevelopment of the Thomas Dixon Centre has retained its original brick facade with nods to Georgian revival-style architecture throughout.
Works included the refurbishment of the existing centre with the addition of a new three-storey extension to make way for 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.
Conrad Gargett has completed the refurbishment of the historic Thomas Dixon Centre, home of Queensland Ballet.
Image:
Chris Wardle
Prior to the refurbishment, as Queensland Ballet began to outgrow the site, various options were explored, including the possibility of the organisation’s relocation after 30 years at the site. The redevelopment, which began in 2019, has been ten years in the pipeline, with Queensland Ballet raising funds to enable it to stay in its West End location.
“It was decided that the Thomas Dixon Centre was their true home, presenting a fantastic opportunity to revitalize the site,” said Conrad Gargett project architect Tamarind Taylor.
“As a heritage building on an inner-city site, it wasn’t the easiest option to rejuvenate and restore the Thomas Dixon Centre, but Queensland Ballet wanted to remain in West End as we felt a sense of neighbourhood pride,” said artistic director Li Cunxin.
Conrad Gargett has completed the refurbishment of the historic Thomas Dixon Centre, home of Queensland Ballet.
Image:
Chris Wardle
The new additions are set back from the heritage building, creating a central promenade and focal point for the building. The design is sympathetic to the building’s historic details while considering the “complexities of the workflows and operations” of the Queensland Ballet, according to head of building precincts and projects Lucas Gilroy.
Another design 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.
“The architectural design seeks to invite the community into the home of the Queensland Ballet by offering glimpses ‘behind the curtain’,” said Taylor.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
