“We are working closely with Brighton and Hove City Council on the regeneration and landscaping of the areas either side of the pier. The design will have a strong West Pier theme, using artefacts salvaged from the pier in the 1990s. Included in the scheme will be a restored 1866 ...

We believe that the Brighton i360 – a 'vertical pier' – is entirely in the spirit of the original pier's history and the best option to replicate its success and ethos.

[A replica West Pier] wouldn’t be in keeping with tradition. The West Pier, like the Royal Pavilion, was outrageous when it was built. A new pier would need to reflect its age.

One of the reasons we’re so keen on it is that it will help regenerate that part of the city. It will shift the focus slightly. And the areas around Regency Square and Preston Street will hope to see their businesses improve.

The i360 is a pier in the sky. Just as the original West Pier was outrageously modern, so is this.

When I came to Brighton, the seafront at night was a place to be avoided. With the ‘string of pearls’, there will be sections of the seafront with a different purpose including iconic buildings and spaces for people to reflect.