Brighton i360 seeks global stage

The operator of a major new event centre and tourist attraction is planning to take the concept worldwide. Marks Barfield, the family firm behind the London Eye, will launch the Brighton i360 in July 2016. The construction of the 162-metre observation tower on Brighton seafront was funded by a £36m loan from the Public Works Loan Board and £4m from the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership. It is due to open for business in July next year. Last month it was revealed that the pod at the tower will cost around US$3,400 (£2,250) for a reception, the tollbooth hire charge on the seafront is around $1,000 (£1,000) while a reception at the upper esplanade will cost organisers up to $11,516 (£7,500). The Victorian tollbooth adjacent to the observation tower will hold a maximum of 45 people, while the upper esplanade will be available for 1,900 people. Now the architects are seeking expression of interest to build a similar attraction from other destinations around the globe. They believe the combination of a tower and an event centre will attract sponsorship and “naming partner” opportunities across the world, but they are staying tight-lipped over how many approaches they have so far received. David Marks, managing director at Marks Barfield, said: “The Brighton i360 will be world class and a world-first. It would be surprising therefore if other cities did not try and emulate Brighton and Hove. In the meantime, we are completely focused on delivering the Brighton i360 which is on track to open next summer.”