The 1869 Dixon’s Tannery building is being carefully preserved as the centrepiece of McNab’s new $220 million residential precinct, The Tannery, a project that is intimately connected to its next-door neighbour in the Thomas Dixon Centre, Queensland Ballet, through a major new partnership.
The Tannery, McNab development in West End centred around the preservation of the historic Dixon’s Tannery. 14 07 2026 Picture: Renae Droop/RDW Photography
Both precincts sit on land tied to the pioneering Dixon family, and this new relationship officially brings the two heritage sites together. To celebrate this geographical serendipity, McNab has stepped in as a major sponsor of Queensland Ballet to help champion their upcoming world premiere of The Nutcracker.
The Tannery, McNab development in West End centred around the preservation of the historic Dixon’s Tannery. 14 07 2026 Picture: Renae Droop/RDW Photography
Queensland Ballet Repertoire and Philanthropy Engagement Director, Rachael Walsh, says that the collaboration is a natural fit, proving that historic infrastructure can be thoughtfully reimagined to build community through the arts and wellness.
That philosophy of wellness is exactly what anchors the design of The Tannery. Rather than maximising the plot with extra apartments, the developers have prioritised shared connection, honouring the original brick skeleton to create The Retreat, a boutique wellness sanctuary strictly for residents. Inside the original walls, the industrial soul remains intact as a focal point for the neighbourhood.
Brisbane buyers have clearly swooned over this unique mix of heritage conservation and high culture. Ahead of its public launch, nearly 60 per cent of the 87 apartments have been snapped up, setting a new West End suburb record of $2.57 million for a two-bedroom residence.
With construction of The Tannery underway and completion slated for late 2027, the partnership proves that when local history and the arts collide, West End’s oldest brickwork still holds the best stories in town.
Check out The Tannery here