The Bunker Barre is a novel dining establishment built from the remnants of World War II bomb shelters located beneath the Queensland Ballet’s Thomas Dixon Centre in West End. The Clark Family generously supports this project, which combines innovation and preservation.
This underground haven is set to entice visitors with a curated menu of food and drinks, serving as an inviting pre- or post-show retreat for ballet-goers and curious epicureans alike. While exact culinary details remain under wraps, the Bunker Barre promises a distinctive experience.
The Thomas Dixon Centre in West End underwent a more comprehensive revitalisation under the direction of renowned architect Conrad Gargett. This holistic approach aims to weave a vibrant tapestry of artistic and communal spaces, deeply anchoring the venue within the local landscape.
More than just a restaurant, the Bunker Barre symbolises resilience and re-imagination. It’s a nod to Brisbane’s past, a toast to its present, and a delicious glimpse into its future.
Details of the opening of Bunker Barre are still kept underwraps.
This event, to be held Friday, 27 Oct 2023, promises to be a harmonious extravaganza featuring a star-studded line up of artists across multiple stages.
The Thomas Dixon Centre, located at 406 Montague Rd, West End, will serve as the backdrop for a night of smooth melodies and creative rhythms. The festival boasts a diverse array of jazz performers, both local and international, ensuring a captivating experience for all attendees.
Photo Credit: BIJF
Brooklyn Meets Brisbane: Kicking off the festivities is the Brooklyn-based saxophonist, Caroline Davis, and her adventurous trio Alula. Their fusion of styles is sure to captivate the audience, and their performance is bound to be a highlight of the evening.
Western Australia’s Finest: Western Australian collective, Quiet Country, will showcase their exceptional talents, with a lineup featuring Harry Mitchell (piano), Ben Vanderwal (drums), Allira Wilson (vocals), Karl Florisson (bass), and Ben Witt (guitar). They will also premiere their much-anticipated new album, adding an element of anticipation to the festival.
Melbourne’s Musical Magic: Melbourne’s Loose Leaf trio, led by the talented Andrew Saragossi, promises to bring their unique charm to the festival, and their performance is expected to be a crowd-pleaser.
The Brisbane International Jazz Festival will also feature some of Queensland’s most exceptional artists. Attendees can look forward to the impressive talents of Hannah Macklin, Cigany Weaver, and the Joshua Hatcher Quartet, among others. These local artists will showcase the vibrant jazz scene in the Sunshine State, adding a distinctive local flavor to the festival.
Photo Credit: BIJF
In a show of international collaboration, Chris Stover’s Imaginary Hybridities (USA) will grace the stage, demonstrating the global appeal of jazz. Additionally, the Sharon Nobs Trio, Khito, Tyler Cooney Quintet, SHAMIN, and the Theo Parrott Organ Trio will further contribute to the festival’s diverse line-up, ensuring a night of musical exploration.
The festival will commence with an open rehearsal of the commissioned works by Kayleigh Pincott and Brendan Foster, the recipients of the inaugural Lynette Irwin MF Composition Commission. This will offer a unique glimpse into the creative process of these talented composers and set the tone for the evening.
Don’t miss this musical extravaganza as the Brisbane International Jazz Festival graces West End with its diverse and talented line-up. With artists from around the world and some of Queensland’s finest talents on display, it promises to be a night of unforgettable music and entertainment.
Queensland Ballet has returned home to the heritage-listed Thomas Dixon Centre in West End. The building has just completed a multi-million-dollar renovation which commenced in August 2019.
Queensland Ballet returned to its home for the past three decades in July 2022, celebrating the opening of the brand-new Talbot Theatre with its season opener, “Bespoke.”
Talbot Theatre | Photo Credit: Thomas Dixon Centre / thomasdixoncentre.com.au
The new theatre is part of the $100-million redevelopment of the Thomas Dixon Centre.
Aside from the new, 350-seat Talbot Theatre, the 110-year-old building now boasts six dance studios, a costume workroom, a wellness centre, a gym, and stunning public art.
It also features Kite Terrace, a rooftop bar that offers amazing city views and a central promenade.
“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.” – Queensland Ballet’s fifth Artistic Director, Li Cunxin AO
About Thomas Dixon
Thomas Coar Dixon| Photo Credit: Thomas_Dixon_Centre / thomasdixoncentre.com.au
Thomas Coar Dixon was a leather tanner who arrived in Australia in 1866 from Yorkshire, England. He then moved to Queensland in 1869 from New South Wales and established a small tannery in Hill End (now known as West End) in 1873. He also went on to purchase the land on which his tannery sits.
Thomas Dixon Centre with plaque that reads “Established 1873” | Photo Credit: Thomas_Dixon_Centre / thomasdixoncentre.com.au
In 1906, Dixon purchased the land bounded by Montague Road, Raven Street and Drake Street to establish a new factory. He commissioned architect Richard Gailey to design the two-storey red brick building.
The factory is now known as the Thomas Dixon Centre. It opened on 11 April 1908. Dixon died a year later.
Upon Dixon’s death, his sons took over and continued the business which was later registered as Thomas C. Dixon & Sons Limited. In 1973, the business moved to Wacol where it faced tough competition from cheaper vinyl imports and then closed down after seven years.
The Queensland Government acquired the centre in 1975 and converted it into a storage facility. The building then underwent refurbishing in 1991 to serve as the home of Queensland Ballet, Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra and the Queensland Dance School of Excellence.
The Thomas Dixon Centre entered the Heritage Register in 1998.
Queensland Ballet has been one of the major contributors to Queensland’s arts and cultural offering. However, growth is restricted in the current centre due to the size limitations and the quality of existing facilities. To reach its goal of becoming a leader on the world stage, one of the institution’s strategies is to redevelop the Thomas Dixon Centre to be a state-of-the-art ballet centre.
Conrad Gargett was the appointed architect for the redevelopment project. The proposed designs were already submitted for approval and are now available for public viewing.
Pedestrian view from Drake Street towards Montague Road (East Approach) Photo credit: Conrad Gargett
3D View of Drake St Photo credit: Photo credit: Conrad Gargett
Studio 04 with Integrated Service Beams Photo credit: Conrad Gargett
The proposed designs intend to enhance the efficiency of their Wardrobe and Production teams, attract more talent, and provide new performance spaces.
The plans also include the rectification of the heritage-listed building.
Heritage Rectification plan for South and West Elevation Photo credit: Conrad Gargett
Pedestrian view from Raven Street towards Montague Road (East Approach) Photo credit: Conrad Gargett
To see more details of the design, feel free to view the proposed designs and landscape designs. A video fly-through display of the proposed plans can be accessed in the foyer of the Thomas Dixon Centre. Simply visit their reception during business hours.
