World Expo Skyneedle to get new life in Pradella development

The World Expo Skyneedle, which shone as a beacon to the landmark Brisbane event in 1988, will take pride of place in a new development approved by Brisbane City Council this week.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the 88-metre landmark structure, which had a new post-Expo life as a symbol for hairdressing entrepreneur Stefan Ackerie's business empire, would be the "icon" of Pradella's 208-unit development.

Pradella plans to make South Brisbane's Skyneedle the central figure of a new residential development.

"The Skyneedle structure has been at its current home at Manning Street for 26 years and here it will stay permanently, showcased within a new unit and café development," he said.

"As part of the development there will be two separate residential buildings and a café, which will be located under the Skyneedle and accessible to the public.

Stefan Ackerie bought the Skyneedle in 1989 and moved it to its current Manning Street location.Credit: Paul Harris

"Given the Skyneedle's prominence as part of the South Brisbane skyline, we've ensured the 88-metre spire will remain taller than the 12 storeys council has approved.

"Skyneedle won't be overshadowed and for the first time in years, it will be accessible to the general public through this new project."

Designed by Charles Sutherland and based on a sculpture by Robert Owen, the $4.5 million Skyneedle was called The Night Companion during Expo '88 and its revolving beacon could be seen up to 60 kilometres away from South Bank.

According to the council, it was the largest single art commission in Australia at the time.

The Skyneedle will tower over Pradella's new development at South Brisbane.

The Skyneedle was moved to its current Manning Street location when Mr Ackerie bought the structure in 1989, as the Expo site was transformed into the South Bank parklands.

Cr Quirk said the Skyneedle would be integrated into the development along the Manning Street entrance.

Pradella plans to make South Brisbane's Skyneedle the central figure of a new residential development.

"This multi-million investment will further contribute to Brisbane's residential needs in an area that is already well connected to services, public and active transport and the CBD," he said.

"The proposed development does not include any work or alterations to the Skyneedle and it will remain the responsibility of the body corporate or owner of the site to maintain the structure."

The Pradella development was to be constructed over two stages.

The first stage would include 105 one- and two-bedroom units, while the second stage would include 103 one-, two- and three-bedroom units and a café.

The Skyneedle caught fire in 2006, causing extensive damage to the top of the structure.

Local Labor councillor Helen Abrahams said she understood there were "no concerns" about the development in the community.

"Personally, I would have loved to have seen a design that enabled more green space this development, because the buildings are close together," she said.

"...This is a large site and you should be able, on these large sites, get developments to contribute more to the community rather than present a wall of buildings behind the needle."

Cr Abrahams said she was pleased the Skyneedle had been protected through its heritage listing.

Comment has been sought from Pradella and Mr Ackerie.