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Days after the tallest building outside Brisbane’s CBD was approved for construction, plans have emerged for another tower just metres away.
The proposed developments could box in the historic Skyneedle, blocking some views of the landmark, which was once among the tallest structures on the city’s south side.
Extensive plans for the site at 37 Manning Street in South Brisbane were lodged with Brisbane City Council on October 7.
Visibility of the historic Expo ’88 Skyneedle could be limited, with two major developments on either side planned.
Drawings show two narrow 30-storey towers connected at the base, with 204 one- to five-bedroom apartments.
Trees and other plants cascade over external surfaces, and a shared roof space features a barbeque area, gym and pool overlooking the CBD.
“The proposal showcases a high-quality building and landscape design outcome, which will contribute to housing choice and diversity, whilst providing a subtropical design response that celebrates Brisbane’s climate and lifestyle,” the development application says.
The Skyneedle, built for Expo ’88, was relocated to its current location by hairdressing mogul Stefan Ackerie.Credit: William Davis
This masthead contacted the developer for more information but did not receive a response.
Under the two new development plans, the heritage-listed Skyneedle – built for Expo ’88 and later moved to its current site – could be boxed in by at least four new towers.
This masthead previously reported that three buildings had been approved just 50 metres away, with the largest – a 50-storey structure more than 200 metres high – set to be the tallest outside the CBD.
A 144.8-metre 40-storey tower and a 94.2-metre 24-storey tower would also be built as part of the vast Aria development, comprising 678 apartments, 216 hotel rooms, more than 2000 square metres of retail space, and public gardens with an amphitheatre.
The plant-clad tower would have a shared rooftop space featuring a barbeque area, gym and pool overlooking the CBD.
Those buildings would wrap around the Skyneedle to the north-west, while 37 Manning Street would sit to its south-east.
A report lodged with the latest development application says the impact on the landmark was carefully considered during the design process.
“[This is an] architectural response that addresses both the functional requirements of a high-density residential tower and the heritage obligation to preserve viewlines to the Skyneedle,” it says.
“While the disc base of the sculpture is already partially obscured by existing buildings and street trees, the spire – the element of primary historic and social value – remains clearly visible as a vertical landmark.
The planned tower, with various buildings surrounding – and almost completely obscuring – the Skyneedle.
“Overall, the development does not impair the views of the Skyneedle to such an extent that impacts its cultural heritage significance.”
The Skyneedle was initially located at South Bank. It was destined for Toyko Disneyland before being bought by Stefan Ackerie, of the hairdressing chain, who moved it to its current location. The Skyneedle Apartments directly behind were completed in 2020.
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