The Tannery Sales & Media Launch

Attending the launch alongside our partner, McNab, our Head of Interiors, Dee Passenger, shared the design vision behind the project, and how the restored Dixon's Tannery has become the heart of the precinct. From The Retreat wellness destination to the adaptive reuse of original materials, every decision reflects a belief that preserving heritage can create richer places to live and stronger communities. The Tannery is already proving that thoughtful design, heritage and lifestyle create enduring value.

What was the vision behind The Tannery?

From day-one, we wanted the original Tannery to be at the heart of the development, not just an element that people walk past on their way home. It was about creating a conversation between the old and the new, where the building's history is celebrated while giving it a meaningful new purpose.

The Tannery has launched with strong pre-sales interest. What does that say about the project?

The early response shows that buyers are looking for homes with more than location alone. At The Tannery, the appeal comes from the combination of larger residences, strong amenities, West End's lifestyle and the character of the former Dixon's Tannery site.

The design vision it is a perfect example of how heritage can become a meaningful part of a project's identity and value when it is considered from the beginning.

Why was it so important to preserve the original Tannery?

The easy option would have been to design more densely packed apartments on the site. Instead, our partner McNab made the decision to preserve the original Tannery building as The Retreat - a shared wellness space for the residents. It's a wonderful example of how heritage buildings can continue to serve the community in a completely new way.

The Retreat will include a gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, cinema, library, work-from-home spaces and landscaped garden rooms. By placing these uses within the original building, the project gives the heritage structure an active future.

The design vision it is a perfect example of how heritage can become a meaningful part of a project's identity and value when it is considered from the beginning.

How has sustainable design and material selection been adopted?

We wanted to honour the site's history wherever we could, so a number of original materials are being reused throughout the project. A great example is an original concrete slab that's being transformed into a water feature. It's a beautiful way of carrying the story of the tannery into its next chapter.

This approach allows the project's sustainability measures to work hand-in-hand with it's heritage story. Salvaged materials are not treated as decorative references, but as part of the lived experience of the new development.

What does The Tannery suggest about the future of residential design in Brisbane?

The Tannery shows that heritage, amenity and commercial success can reinforce one another when they are aligned through design.

As Brisbane continues to grow, projects like this demonstrate how new housing can be delivered in established urban areas while retaining the character that makes those places desirable. For developers, the lesson is clear: adaptive reuse can create a stronger sense of identity, a richer resident experience and a more compelling market proposition.

With more than 30 years of experience in interior design, Dee specialises in living and hospitality environments that balance design excellence with commercial pragmatism.

Dee has led the design of luxury multi-residential, build-to-rent, hotels, seniors living, social housing, student accommodation and bespoke residential projects across Australia, and is recognised for delivering award-winning, people-centred environments that enrich communities while shaping cities and transforming precincts.

Media Coverage

Realestate.com.au
News.com
Channel 10 News
The Urban Developer