Brisbane apartments Archives

Historic Dixon’s Tannery Redevelopment Approved in West End

A $190 million redevelopment in West End has been approved, with McNab set to transform the historic Dixon’s Tannery into a residential precinct featuring wellness-focused communal spaces.

Heritage Site Redeveloped in West End

Builder-developer McNab has secured approval to redevelop Dixon’s Tannery in West End, a late 19th-century industrial site, into The Tannery Residences. The 10-storey project will deliver 81 two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments on the 4,465-square-metre site at 439 Montague Road.

West End redevelopment — Photo Credit: Cottee Parker

Preserving Industrial History

Dixon’s Tannery was first established by Thomas Coar Dixon in 1869. The original building was destroyed in the 1893 Brisbane floods, and a new tannery was constructed around the same year. After Dixon’s death in 1908, the business continued under his family until it closed in 1970. The preserved structure will be repurposed as the Retreat, a communal wellness centre at the heart of the development.

Wellness and Communal Amenities

The project incorporates more than 1,100 square metres of communal space across the ground level and rooftop. Inside the heritage tannery, facilities will include a sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a gym, and a Pilates and stretch studio. Residents will also have access to a cinema, library, private dining room, and co-working areas.

Rooftop and Outdoor Features

Designed in collaboration with Cottee Parker Architects, Aspect Studios, and Tom Mark Henry, the complex will offer rooftop amenities such as a pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor dining areas, a sunset lawn, and dog-friendly spaces. A mature Hoop Pine at the site entrance will also be preserved following detailed design planning.

Design Approach

Project designers have stated that the interiors aim to merge heritage character with subtropical design principles. The intention is to create a residential environment that respects the site’s past while providing contemporary facilities focused on wellbeing.

Construction Timeline

Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2025, with completion anticipated in late 2027. Earlier reporting also indicated work could begin within two months of approval, reflecting different timelines presented across project updates.

Published 20-Aug-2025

Callista on Park: Rooftop Living Arrives in West End’s Historic Heart

Photo Credit: West Village/Facebook

As urban infill projects reshape Brisbane, Callista on Park has become the closing act of West Village, a dense, design-led community in the heart of West End.

Blending Old and New in West End

Callista on Park’s design by Rothelowman responds to its historic setting, using curved forms and stone to soften its scale beside the heritage-listed Peters Factory. A central “green seam” splits the two towers, visually linking the building to nearby Mollison Park.

Rather than isolating residents in a high-rise, the building connects directly to the rhythms of the West Village precinct. It sits close to local markets, shops, cafés and dining venues, and residents will also have direct access to public gardens and cultural spaces within the development.

A Shift in Apartment Mix

Callista on Park was initially planned for only three- and four-bedroom apartments, but shifting market needs led to the inclusion of two-bedroom units, broadening appeal while keeping quality standards.

There are now 33 two-bedroom apartments, 48 three-bedroom units, and 15 four-bedroom residences available. Sekisui House confirmed that prices for three- and four-bedroom homes will start from $2.4 million, reflecting their generous sizes and finishes aimed at long-term owner-occupiers.

Rooftop Living and Green Views

Callista on Park places its shared amenities on the rooftop, including a pool, spa, BBQ area, dining room and lounge. It has an overlooking view of Brisbane’s skyline and Mollison Park, reinforcing access to green space in a dense setting.

The apartments themselves include large balconies and interiors designed for cross-flow ventilation, helping to keep indoor temperatures comfortable through Queensland’s warmer months. Materials used inside aim for durability as well as visual appeal, with neutral colours and natural finishes that tie into the park environment.

A Community Legacy

The name “Callista” comes from the Greek word meaning “most beautiful”, and subtly nods to the West End’s Greek community, which was a defining part of the area’s identity during the 1980s.

West Village has become a thriving hub with over 35 shops, eateries and services. Since its beginnings on the old factory site, it has earned nearly 60 awards for blending heritage reuse with urban density.

Published 24-April-2025