Eleanor Harris: An Eye On British Airways i360

Now the tallest building in Sussex

The Brighton i360 tower reached an important milestone last week when it officially became the tallest building in Sussex. Having reached 120 metres high, the i360 is now taller than Shoreham Power Station at 106 metres, which previously was the tallest structure, and Sussex Heights at 102 metres, which was the tallest building in Brighton and Hove, and other famous landmarks from the county such as Chichester Cathedral and the Gatwick Air Traffic Control tower.
I was lucky enough to take a trip up to the top of the jacking tower recently with the construction team. We boarded a ‘hoist’ lift and travelled up to 60 metres high. Even at this height, the views of the city, downs, chalk cliffs and sea were absolutely stunning. I cannot wait to see the views from the i360 when it opens next summer and the pod will glide up to 138 metres – more than double the height of the jacking tower.

Up close the tower is an incredibly elegant and beautiful piece of architecture soaring up into the sky and it will be wonderful to see the tower revealed in all its glory when the square jacking tower (used to build the tower) is removed next month.
I had hoped to see the Pride parade go past the i360 from the top of the jacking tower, but unfortunately the route got diverted at the last minute. Nev Kemp and his team did a great job to keep the Parade going, and the police got the biggest cheer as they walked past.
I enjoyed watching the Parade from the Argus/Juice VIP bus on Old Steine. Juice DJ Guy Lloyd had got fully into the spirit of Pride and was dressed up in a unforgettable gold Lurex cat suit with gold spray paint, and gave a commentary to the passing procession.
It was my first Pride and what a fantastic festive and celebratory atmosphere in the city. The whole of Brighton and Hove seemed awash with rainbow colours and happy people, and I felt really proud to work here.
www.brightoni360.co.uk
Twitter: @TheBrightoni360 @Eleanor_Harris
Facebook: Brighton-i360, Pinterest: Brightoni360 Pics: Kevin Meredith