McNab has received development approval for The Tannery Residences in Brisbane’s West End — a project set to redefine urban living by seamlessly integrating heritage preservation with modern, wellness-focused design.
The 19th-century Dixon’s Tannery, one of Brisbane’s few remaining examples of industrial heritage, will be meticulously preserved and transformed into The Retreat, a communal wellness hub at the heart of the 10-storey residential precinct.
McNab Founder and Executive Chairman Michael McNab said the development offered a rare opportunity to honour Brisbane’s past while meeting shifting buyer priorities.
“This isn’t just about building homes, it’s about preserving Brisbane’s past while creating spaces that genuinely support residents’ wellbeing,” McNab said.
“Properties that honour history while delivering modern design have unique appeal and there’s a growing demand for spaces with both character and legacy.
“This is the first truly integrated wellness and heritage project of its kind in Brisbane, and we’ve worked closely with heritage consultants and designers to ensure it respects and elevates the site’s legacy.
“By incorporating over 1,100sqm of dedicated communal space across the ground level and rooftop, The Tannery responded directly to this shift we’re seeing in buyer priorities.”
Designed in collaboration with Cottee Parker Architects, Aspect Studios and Tom Mark Henry, the project will deliver 81 generously proportioned two-, three- and four-bedroom residences.
Residents will enjoy expansive rooftop facilities including a pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor dining spaces, a sunset lawn, and dog-friendly areas – creating a sanctuary in the heart of West End.
Inside The Retreat, the heritage tannery will house a sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, an outdoor shower, a tropical seating area, a large commercial-grade gym, Pilates and stretch studios — all aimed at fostering holistic wellbeing.
Further amenities include a private dining room, cinema, library, and co-working spaces.
Jade Nottage, from Tom Mark Henry, said the intention was to blend heritage character with a subtropical design ethos.
“We were inspired by the rich history of West End and the former heritage tannery,” Nottage said.
“With a site with such diverse history, we wanted to create something that really feels connected to its past — a place that brings back and celebrates traditional crafts, community, nature, and wellbeing.
“Our goal was to create an authentic and serene sanctuary — a retreat from the city that breathes new life into the old tannery and its story.”
The design team also partnered with Yeronga-based Five Mile Radius, a studio recognised for incorporating salvaged materials into unique art and design works.
The 4,465sqm site at 439 Montague Road will preserve a mature Hoop Pine at the driveway entrance, with extensive planning undertaken to protect the much-loved tree.
The Tannery Residences follows a series of wins for McNab, including White Main Beach — winner of Queensland’s Best Apartment Building over $50 million — and strong sales at Elements Budds Beach, where more than 75 per cent of apartments are already sold.
Construction is due to commence in Q3 2025, with completion targeted for late 2027.
Pre-registrations are now open ahead of an early 2026 market release.
