More than half of residences sold before public sales as McNab announces significant partnership with Queensland Ballet
Nearly 60 per cent of residences at McNab Group’s $220m The Tannery have sold before the project’s public launch ‒ including a new suburb record being set at $2.57m for a two-bedroom apartment ‒ signalling strong buyer confidence in one of Brisbane’s most distinctive new residential developments, where heritage, wellness and contemporary design come together.
With 50 of the 87 apartments already sold, early sales reflect growing demand for larger, lifestyle-focused apartments that prioritise wellbeing, combining heritage character, resort-style amenity experiences and premium design in Brisbane’s sought-after West End.
McNab Group Executive Chairman Michael McNab said the early sales success reflected changing buyer expectations and growing confidence in Brisbane’s apartment market.
“Selling more than half the project before public sales open, tells us buyers are actively seeking apartments that offer something genuinely different,” Mr McNab said.
“Today’s buyers are looking beyond four walls. They want homes that genuinely enhance the way they live, with spaces that support health, connection and everyday wellbeing, alongside generous living spaces and a strong sense of community.
“At The Tannery, we’ve deliberately invested in creating places where residents can move, unwind, work and connect every day ‒ not just somewhere to live. That’s why we’ve transformed the original tannery into The Retreat, a dedicated wellness sanctuary that sits at the heart of the community.”
“The Tannery also reflects the confidence we’re seeing in Brisbane’s long-term outlook, supported by strong population growth, housing demand, constrained supply and significant investment ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“In my 30 years at McNab, I’m genuinely excited to be bringing a project like The Tannery to market. It combines a high-quality product, an exceptional location in the heart of West End, and a level of amenity and lifestyle offering that we believe will set a new benchmark for apartment living in Brisbane.”
The Tannery was designed in collaboration with Cottee Parker Architects, Aspect Studios and Tom Mark Henry, delivering generous two-, three- and four-bedroom residences across 11 levels.
Dee Passenger Principal at Cottee Parker, said the project demonstrated how heritage buildings could be thoughtfully adapted to meet contemporary lifestyles while preserving their historical significance.
“The design philosophy for The Tannery was about creating a dialogue between old and new. We wanted to ensure the site’s industrial heritage was a defining feature of the development, not simply a reference to its past,” Ms Passenger said.
“The easy option would have been to maximise the site’s development potential with additional apartments. Instead, McNab has chosen to preserve the original tannery as a shared wellness retreat, ensuring this important piece of Brisbane’s history remains at the heart of the community.
“Sustainability has also been central to our design approach. Working with Five Mile Radius, a number of materials from the original site are being salvaged and repurposed throughout the development. For example, one of the original concrete slabs is being transformed into a water
feature, ensuring the site’s history continues to be experienced in meaningful and unexpected ways.”
Carly Cottam, CEO of Motiv said the strong sales campaign reflected a growing demand for premium apartments that offered more than just an inner-city address.
“We are seeing more buyers looking for homes in the sky that provide the space and functionality of a traditional home, while benefitting from the convenience and lifestyle that apartment living brings,” Mrs Cottam said.
“The Retreat wellness space, oversized floorplans, West End lifestyle and access to Queensland’s leading public school catchment have all resonated well with our buyers.
“The purchasers include owner occupiers and investors, with strong support from local buyers as well as interstate interest, demonstrating confidence in both The Tannery and Brisbane’s long-term growth.”
Residents will have access to expansive rooftop amenities including a pool and landscaped gardens, outdoor dining areas, a sunset lawn and dog-friendly zones.
The Retreat has been designed as a boutique wellness club exclusively for residents featuring a sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, an outdoor shower and tropical seating area, a large commercial-grade gym with dedicated cardio and weights zones, and a Pilates and stretch studio. Additional resident spaces include a private dining room, cinema, library and co-working areas.
Coinciding with the public launch of sales, McNab also announced a significant new partnership with Queensland Ballet, whose home at the Thomas Dixon Centre sits alongside The Tannery and shares its origins with the Dixon family.
Mr McNab said the connection between the neighbouring heritage buildings made the partnership a natural fit.
“The Tannery and the Thomas Dixon Centre are two great examples of how historic buildings can be thoughtfully reimagined for future generations while continuing to serve our community,” Mr McNab said.
“Just as we’re preserving the original tannery as a place for people to connect, Queensland Ballet has transformed the neighbouring Thomas Dixon Centre into one of Australia’s leading cultural destinations.
“We’re really proud to support an organisation that shares our commitment to celebrating Queensland’s heritage and enriches our communities through arts, culture and wellbeing.”
Queensland Ballet Executive Director Dilshani Weerasinghe said the partnership with McNab reflects a shared commitment to preserving Queensland’s heritage while investing in its future.
“McNab understands that great places are more than buildings. They are where communities come together, stories are shared and lasting memories are created. That philosophy aligns beautifully with Queensland Ballet’s mission to inspire, connect and enrich lives through dance,” Ms Weerasinghe said.
“We are particularly thrilled to welcome McNab as a major partner of our new production of The Nutcracker through a significant sponsorship helping bring this world premiere to life. This premiere is one of the most significant artistic projects in Queensland Ballet’s history, and together we look forward to creating a magical festive tradition that will be enjoyed by Queensland families for generations to come.”
The Tannery is located on a 4,465sqm site at 439 Montague Road and enjoys western and southern views across the Brisbane River, just 10 minutes from the Brisbane CBD. Situated in the heart of West End, it offers convenient access to renowned cafés and restaurants, shopping, hospitals, schools and public transport, combining inner-city convenience with one of Brisbane’s most sought-after lifestyle precincts.
Construction is underway, with completion expected in the second half of 2027. For more information visit www.thetannerywestend.com.au.
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