Brighton’s skyline will remain dominated by the iconic i360 Tower after hospitality giant Nightcap Limited secured its future in a major acquisition deal. The award-winning hospitality group, founded by Brighton locals Sarah Willingham and Michael Toxvaerd, has added the i360 to its expanding portfolio, ensuring the landmark’s continued operation and revitalisation.
The deal follows Brighton & Hove City Council’s decision to release the site’s debt, allowing Nightcap to assume control of the attraction’s remaining 115-year lease. The move safeguards the i360’s status as a major draw for the city, attracting more than 250,000 visitors annually.
Expanding Nightcap’s Presence in Brighton
This acquisition boosts Nightcap’s UK footprint to 46 venues, including well-known brands such as The Cocktail Club, Luna Springs, Dirty Martini, and The Piano Works. With a commitment to enhancing Brighton’s hospitality scene, Nightcap aims to transform the i360 into a thriving social and entertainment hub.
Sarah Willingham, Founder and CEO of Nightcap, expressed her enthusiasm:
“We couldn’t be happier to welcome the i360 to the Nightcap family and delighted that Brighton & Hove City Council has paved the way for us to keep this iconic landmark open. We look forward to working with them to make the West Pier part of Brighton a thriving hub for residents and visitors alike.”
The i360 boasts 20,000 square feet of hospitality space, multiple bars, event spaces, cafés, and entertainment areas. The site also includes 75 metres of beach frontage, a beach bar, terrace, rooftop, and outdoor trading areas, offering significant potential for new experiences under Nightcap’s ownership.
A Fresh Start for the i360
The takeover has been completed free of debt and historical liabilities, enabling Nightcap to invest heavily in the venue’s future. This strategic acquisition aligns with the company’s mission to create exciting nightlife, live music venues, and memorable entertainment spaces.
Willingham highlighted the significance of the move:
“We pass the i360 every day and were as disappointed as everyone else when it went into administration and no buyer was found. The impact of its closure would have been catastrophic to our local businesses and a blemish on this important part of the Brighton seafront. We hope we will get the support of our tight-knit local community as we embark on this new chapter for the i360.”
Political and Community Support
The deal has received strong backing from local politicians and business leaders. Peter Kyle, MP for Hove and Portslade, welcomed Nightcap’s intervention:
“Looking to the future I now see a fantastic seafront in our city. It is book-ended by the amazing Sea Lanes in Kemptown and the new Hove Beach Park and now at its centre will be this. The choice for the council was clear – let the i360 rust and become another derelict West Pier or to encourage enterprise and get something special in this central location. I’m over-the-moon they chose the latter and look forward to working with Nightcap.”
Councillor Jacob Taylor, Deputy Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, echoed this sentiment:
“We are delighted that Nightcap has taken such a keen interest in revitalising the i360, and their passion and commitment to the city is evident. We think this is the best option for the city – giving a fresh start for the attraction, and helping to ensure this important stretch of seafront can thrive.”
Looking Ahead
With its commitment to investing in the i360, Nightcap aims to inject fresh energy into Brighton’s entertainment and hospitality landscape. The West Pier Trust’s Chief Executive, Rachel Clark, expressed confidence in the new management:
“West Pier Trust has been extremely impressed by Nightcap’s experience, professionalism and understanding of Brighton’s unique character in its bid to take over the i360. We confidently look forward to a fruitful and collaborative partnership with them.”
Meanwhile, Charlie Carter from Interpath, who managed the transaction on behalf of Brighton i360 Limited’s administrators, celebrated the successful outcome:
“We’re delighted to have secured this transaction which will see this iconic attraction brought back into operation, providing opportunities for job creation and investment in the West Pier area. We wish the team at Nightcap all the very best for the future.”