Our History

An ambitious leather tanner, Thomas Coar Dixon, arrives from Yorkshire to live in Australia. In 1869, he moves from the south coast of New South Wales to Queensland in search of a place to establish his tannery.

An ambitious leather tanner, Thomas Coar Dixon, arrives from Yorkshire to live in Australia. In 1869, he moves from the south coast of New South Wales to Queensland in search of a place to establish his tannery.

An ambitious leather tanner, Thomas Coar Dixon, arrives from Yorkshire to live in Australia. In 1869, he moves from the south coast of New South Wales to Queensland in search of a place to establish his tannery.

An ambitious leather tanner, Thomas Coar Dixon, arrives from Yorkshire to live in Australia. In 1869, he moves from the south coast of New South Wales to Queensland in search of a place to establish his tannery

An ambitious leather tanner, Thomas Coar Dixon, arrives from Yorkshire to live in Australia. In 1869, he moves from the south coast of New South Wales to Queensland in search of a place to establish his tannery.

An ambitious leather tanner, Thomas Coar Dixon, arrives from Yorkshire to live in Australia. In 1869, he moves from the south coast of New South Wales to Queensland in search of a place to establish his tannery.

An ambitious leather tanner, Thomas Coar Dixon, arrives from Yorkshire to live in Australia. In 1869, he moves from the south coast of New South Wales to Queensland in search of a place to establish his tannery.

The business is relocated to a new factory at Wacol in 1973 where it operates until closure in 1980 (it was unable to compete with cheap vinyl imports after tariffs were lifted in the early 1970s).

In 1975, the Queensland Government purchases the Thomas Dixon Centre and uses it as a storage facility.

After a $1.8million refurbishment, Thomas Dixon Centre becomes the home of Queensland Ballet, Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Queensland Dance School of Excellence in 1991.

In 1998 the building enters the Heritage Register Act (1992) to ensure its preservation as a rare surviving example of an early 20th century industrial factory.

During this time, the building undergoes a period of greater refurbishment to preserve original elements, and to enhance the building for its artistic residents. Sprung flooring for Queensland Ballet is installed, as well as lighting, curtains and other stage equipment to enhance the performance space.

These works are undertaken by Department of Public Works as the landlord of the building with many of these refurbishments also funded via grants and fundraising initiatives by Queensland Ballet.

The Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra leaves the building in 2000, creating an opportunity for a dedicated dance centre. Four large studios and more office and storage space are created.

Further repairs and renovations over the following decade include more sprung flooring, repainting, a new heritage red Colorbond® roof, wheelchair ramp, a lift, and floor coverings.

The Queensland Government and Queensland Ballet begin a $62 million renovation to transform the Thomas Dixon Centre into a world-class arts and cultural destination for Brisbane. The vision features a theatre, café, rooftop terrace, bar, dance studios and office spaces. Queensland Ballet temporarily relocates to another West End building, and construction work begins in August 2019.

“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.”

– Li Cunxin AO, Queensland Ballet Artistic Director