UK: Brighton Builds Observation Tower “i360”

The city of Brighton, located in southern England, currently works on the construction of the 162 meter ascending observation tower i360 on the West Pier. Its observation cabin will rise up to 138 meters. According to Sigma, a company known for the construction of carriers for ropeway transport, it will be the highest ascending observation tower in the world when completed in summer 2016. The company, a subsidiary of French POMA Group, develops the tower’s observation cabin in cooperation with London’s architecture office Marks & Barfield. The two companies already teamed up for the creation of the 32 capsules for the famous “London Eye” tourist attraction. “We are going to build something totally unique and internationally renown right here in Brighton & Hove. We are very enthusiastic about working once again with this top team and look forward to the start-up of the attraction in summer 2016,” David Marks and Julia Barfield say. The observation cabin will provide space for up to 200 passengers who will be carried to the top within five minutes. Apart from a panoramic view the new attraction will offer its visitors a restaurant, a souvenir shop, an exhibition area and facilities for conferences and special events. (eap)