Redevelopment of Brisbane’s Thomas Dixon Centre part of arts sector revitalisation

With the new Federal Government’s promises to revitalise the arts industry having been welcomed by sector peak bodies, builder Hansen Yuncken has highlighted how its delivery of the multi-million transformation of Brisbane’s Thomas Dixon Centre is part of arts being back on the agenda.

Pointing to the Queensland Government’s investment in the redevelopment of the Thomas Dixon Centre, Hansen Yuncken Chief Executive, Peter Salveson stated “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.”

Located in Brisbane’s West End, the site was originally built in 1908 as a boot factory before being repurposed into a performing arts centre that has been home to Queensland Ballet since 1991.

An innovative design combining the old and the new, the revitalised Centre now features six dance studios, a 350-seat-theatre, production and costume workshops, stunning public art, a rooftop terrace, and café.

With the Centre increasing six-fold from its original size, Hansen Yuncken Queensland State Manager, Greg Baumann advised “creating a world-leading performance space requires complexity of design to offer everything from acoustic performance to high-end theatre bars. We’re thrilled to have been involved and can’t wait to see Australia’s arts sector continue to thrive here.

“Having the opportunity to work on projects that are essential to revitalising our arts sector and community is an absolute joy, which the whole team delivers with pride.

Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Director, Li Cunxin said the reopening marks the realisation of a vision to make the centre a venue for all - a true community asset, commenting “the redevelopment of this historic building is a truly transformational moment for the arts in Brisbane. More than an incredible home for Queensland Ballet, the new Thomas Dixon Centre - as a centre for culture and community - will impact the Brisbane artistic landscape for years to come.

“(It) is a hub that fosters cross-pollination of creativity, innovation and ideas between artists, dancers, audiences and visitors from all walks of life.”

With transformation including the addition of an ultra-modern extension of the main building, refurbishment of the existing structure and a new three-storey extension containing rehearsal and performance studio and spaces, Baumann went on to say “Hansen Yuncken worked with the centre to integrate the historic elements with the design-forward addition. This includes the preservation and restoration of five historic World War II air raid shelters which will in future be converted to a bar for patrons’ enjoyment.

“The extension will include key features such as a new amphitheatre-shaped performance venue, a community studio for the public to use, a wellness centre, fully equipped gym, wardrobe, dressing rooms, fitting rooms and dancer’s lounge.”

Looking forward, Salveson concluded “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 new Federal Government has been welcomed by sector peak bodies, including Live Performance Australia (LPA), the Australian Music Centre (AMC) and the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA).

Images: Entrance to the new Thomas Dixon Centre (top, credit: Johnny Harkin) and the Centre's new 350-seat-theatre (below, credit: Chris Wardle).