A tender process has been called to commence the transformation of the spiritual home of Queensland Ballet, the Thomas Dixon Centre, into a world leading centre of artistic excellence.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the project was expected to be delivered before next Christmas.
"The project timelines will commit partners to have the works completed in 2020 – the same year that the Queensland Ballet celebrates its 60th anniversary.
"The Queensland Government's investment maintains the momentum of building and expanding our arts and cultural facilities to allow our companies to grow and cultivate new artistic directions.
"The new vision will set the bar for Queensland's world class dancers."
Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad said the Queensland Ballet would deliver the most sophisticated dance facility in the nation, with works beginning early to revitalise the Thomas Dixon Centre as a state-of-the-art facility.
"We understand just how much the Palaszczuk Government's contribution to the vision for a new home for Queensland's Ballet means in terms of making it a reality, and I'm determined to ensure the project delivers on the expectations of everyone who has made it possible.
"Our partnership with Queensland Ballet, Arts Queensland and the cultural community will be a legacy we can all be proud of, but much more importantly, one that will allow ballet to grow in capacity and reach," she said.
"With a new centre delivered, Queensland Ballet, under the artistic direction of Li Cunxin will be able to work with arts organisations to offer community programs, develop education offerings and offer a world-class theatre for other organisations to use.
"We can now clearly see the day when this project is finished and there will be a modern centre of artistic excellence, including a 350-400 seat performance theatre."
Queensland Ballet Artistic Director, Li Cunxin, said this announcement was a key milestone for the Company and one worth celebrating.
"This is the first real step in the physical construction of what will be a truly world-class facility that we hope will set a new standard for the performing arts internationally," Mr Li said.
"Together with Ian Potter Foundation, our incredible donors and the Queensland and Federal government, we've been working towards this date for some time now. We're thrilled to be working alongside DHPW to make this dream a reality.
"This transformation will allow us to further collaborate with small to medium arts organisations, focus on the wellbeing of our dancers and staff, extend our reach across Queensland and, together with our new Academy building at Kelvin Grove, continue our remarkable growth sustainably into the future."
Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni, said the Queensland Ballet project would employ the equivalent 151 full time Queenslanders during construction.
"With improvements including more dance studios and dressing rooms, breakout spaces, quality bars and function spaces, along with a fully equipped gym and wellness studio, the project is part of the Palaszczuk Governments job creating capital works program," Mr de Brenni said.
"Release of the early works package is a significant step in this iconic project."