i360 NEW TOURISM HEIGHTS FOR BRIGHTON
Everything these days seemed to be prefixed with an i. iphones, ipads and ipods. The i seems to be the go to title for any newer type product. Now to add to that list there is the i360.
Curved glass panels make up the giant passenger pod on the British Airways i360.
Designed by David Marks and Julia Barfield who also came up with the London Eye so what will they prefix or suffix with an i or eye for there next major project?
Their latest design project in Brighton sponsored by British Airways the BA i360 is firmly now established and is pulling in thousands of tourists so they must surely be working on another i or eye?
Perhaps even an aye aye for a change?
British Airways i360 exhibition about its construction.
Maybe they could conceive a giant telescope ride that expands in sections as a nod to Lord Nelson?
Continuing with that i, eye or even ‘aye aye’ theme and a giant metal lemur for the Madagascar Tourist board named after their cute large eyed rare cuddly creature endemic on the island?
The West Pier suffered from fires and storms.
I digress somewhat, however David’s and Julia’s latest creation on the seafront at Brighton has replaced the forlorn rusting West Pier with its walk on the water ethos from the Victorian age with it’s now bang up to date 21st century a walk in the air theme!
200 passengers at the time on a flight on the British Airways i360
Carrying up to 200 passengers at a time to nearly 450feet high above the beach the ride is now the attraction of choice for many visitors.
With further development going on around its base with new shops and walkways the whole area is booming with this regeneration providing a focus around the huge tower.
Local bubbly Nyetimber sparkling wine being served on the British Airways i360
Speaking with some nearby and local businesses they talk of vastly increased footfall from such an attraction so they are certainly happy with the upward direction of their sales. Nicely being mirrored by the upward mirror coated passenger pod that floats high over the town now.
SPARKLE OF THE i360 IN BRIGHTON
With rides or should I say ‘flights’ taking around 25 minutes the panoramic views of the Regency town seafront and out to sea are amazing.
The pod that can take 200 passengers on the British Airways i360
Check-in airport style with BA uniformed staff and a brief but thorough bag and personal security check gets you ready to board.
Once in the gondola, pod visitors are invited to enjoy a drink of Sussex bubbly and in this case it’s the locally produced Nyetimber English sparkling wine in the Sky Bar. Other soft drinks of course and a local Brighton gin too for any nervous flyers.
The new landmark at Brighton the British Airways i360 now the West Pier is slowly falling into the sea.
On the ride you have plenty of time to take in the views and socialize with your fellow passengers literally drinking in the sights from high above.
Back down to earth and around the base of the building there is a very interesting exhibition showing exactly how the i360 was built and there is also a souvenir shop and a bistro style Belle Vue restaurant and bar as part of the complex. With beach side seating it’s a destination in its own right where you can spend a good few hours.
Facts abound about this ride and here are a few!
It’s the World’s most slender tower having a height to width ratio of greater than 40:1.
It’s the World’s tallest moving observation town.
162 metres high with the tower pod ropes and chassis weighing in at 1,350 tonnes.
Foundations come in at weight of 4,150 tonnes.
The Pod is 18 metres in diameter with a futuristic design and weighs 94 tonnes.
24 double-glazed laminated double curved glass panels help to make up the pod.
It is possible to get married or hire out the pod costing £2,700 for each 30 mins.
Current Prices
Adult £16
Child £8.00
Over 60 / Student £13.50
First Flights 10.00 or 11.00am
Last Flights from 18.30pm to 21.00pm (depending on days of the week and time of year)
