The Brighton i360, the iconic observation tower on Brighton’s seafront, has ceased operations with immediate effect as Brighton i-360 Limited files for administration. This marks a dramatic chapter in the story of an ambitious public-private partnership that failed to meet expectations.
Brighton & Hove City Council confirmed the closure, citing a lack of viable buyers during a period granted for potential investment opportunities. On November 27, the council received notice from Brighton i-360 Limited’s board of their intention to appoint administrators. Despite extending the statutory period by ten business days to explore alternatives, no buyer emerged, sealing the attraction’s fate.
Council Acknowledges Financial Fallout of Brighton i360
Councillor Jacob Taylor, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and City Regeneration, expressed disappointment at the closure. “We’ve been working closely with the Brighton i360 for months to try and find a buyer and avoid this outcome, but unfortunately no viable offers have been received,” said Taylor.
He added, “When councillors decided to back the i360 with public money in 2014, they submitted us to the market, and this is what the market has delivered. It’s extremely disappointing, and my thoughts are with the staff at this difficult time.”
The council clarified it would not take over operations of the Brighton i360, citing the risk of further public financial exposure. “The council is not in a position to take over the operation of the i360 as that would mean investing more public money in the attraction, which we do not have, and I know the residents of Brighton & Hove – rightly – could not stomach,” Councillor Taylor stated.
Looking Back: An Expensive Experiment
Constructed with public loans, the Brighton i360 was once heralded as a bold regeneration project. However, it failed to meet its financial obligations. As of December 2024, Brighton i-360 Limited owes approximately £51 million, including a £4 million Coast to Capital loan. The last repayment to the council was made in June 2023.
Councillor Taylor described the investment as a “financial disaster,” acknowledging the strain the unpaid debt places on public service budgets. He announced plans for an independent audit in the new year to examine the decision to loan public funds for the project and to learn lessons for future initiatives.
“Investment in Brighton i360 has clearly been a financial disaster for the council. Although the attraction has provided jobs and brought in business rates, the regeneration of this site did not require such high public investment,” Taylor said. “The amount of money left unpaid to the council is money we now cannot spend on frontline service delivery.”
What’s Next for the Site?
The council will work closely with administrators, Interpath Advisory, to explore remaining options for the site. Despite the financial setbacks, the location remains a key asset for Brighton’s tourism and seafront economy.
