Conrad Gargett appointed to enhance the home of Queensland Ballet
Conrad Gargett, a leading Australian practice who brings innovative design, vision and expertise in creating award-winning architecture for over a century, is honoured to announce that we have been appointed to enhance the home of Queensland Ballet.
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Li Cunxin and Executive Director Dilshani Weerasinghe, Queensland Ballet’s vision is to deliver world-class productions, become a leader on the international stage and enrich lives through ballet. This redevelopment will enable the company to accommodate a larger ensemble of dancers, expand dancer training programs and enhance community initiatives. Their visionary development strategy is strongly underpinned by their pillars of art, people, home and wellness.
Lawrence Toaldo, Managing Director of Conrad Gargett stated, “Our team is honoured to be appointed to redevelop the home of Queensland Ballet. We are working closely with the company to enrich the historic Thomas Dixon Centre, which will enable Queensland Ballet to further expand and shine on the global stage. It is proposed that the existing space will be renovated and extended to provide additional facilities and functions for the company, ballet patrons and enable engagement with the wider community.”
The heritage-listed Thomas Dixon Centre located in Brisbane’s West End was originally constructed as a shoe factory in 1908. It was purchased by the Queensland Government and was refurbished as a centre for dance and arts in 1991.
Conrad Gargett has been working with Queensland Ballet since 2013 and brings to the project a wealth of experience in public buildings including repurposing heritage buildings and the integration of new built form with existing significant buildings. The design of the refurbishment and extensions will embody the vision for Queensland Ballet providing new world class facilities for the company including refurbished studios and two new additions, a Performance Studio and Wellness Centre. The new additions will be setback from the heritage building creating a new central promenade arrival and circulation space. This space will be a focal point for Queensland Ballet and the ballet community as a foyer to the new Performance Studio and as the place where the Thomas Dixon and Queensland Ballet story will be experienced. The community will have a window into the ballet’s production as well as a meaningful and engaging experience through displays of costumes and interpretive artworks.
Conrad Gargett is one of the most experienced heritage architectural practices in Australia having completed the restoration, refurbishment and repurposing of some of the country’s most prominent heritage-listed buildings.
