Boots to ballet – Centre redevelopment leading arts revitalisation

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), amid promises to revitalise the arts industry.

The election win follows state-led government support for arts establishments seen over recent years, including the Queensland Labor government’s investment in the redevelopment of Brisbane’s Thomas Dixon Centre, which recently underwent a significant multi-million transformation delivered by Hansen Yuncken.

Peter Salveson, CEO of Hansen Yuncken:

Australia is putting arts back on the agenda.

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. From ‘boots to ballet’, Thomas Dixon Centre was repurposed into a performing arts centre which has been home to Queensland Ballet since 1991.

This year, Hansen Yuncken’s transformation will see the establishment take shape as a world-class performing arts destination and cultural precinct. The centre has increased six-fold from its original size with a new theatre that seats 350 patrons, and six studios including a community studio.

Greg Baumann, Queensland State Manager of Hansen Yuncken:

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:

The redevelopment of the Thomas Dixon Centre will have an immensely positive impact on Brisbane’s arts and cultural landscape.

The Thomas Dixon Centre is a hub that fosters cross-pollination of creativity, innovation and ideas between artists, dancers, audiences and visitors from all walks of life.

We would like to thank Hansen Yuncken for their dedicated work and commitment to preserving the unique historical features of the centre, which we are excited to see become Brisbane’s spiritual home of artistic excellence.

The transformation included 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:

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.

Mr Salveson:

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.