West Pier columns removed from Brighton seafront in readiness for i360

Columns from the West Pier have been removed from Brighton seafront as part of the preparations for the construction of the i360 viewing tower.

The removal of the cast iron columns was taking place as the contracts for the i360 were being checked in readiness for signing.

The Brighton and Hove Independent newspaper reported that the contracts were due to be signed today (Friday 13 June).

The free weekly newspaper said: “Up to 100 contracts require signatures before work begins in earnest on the controversial landmark development on Brighton seafront.
“The contracts come after formal approval of a loan to Brighton and Hove City Council from the Public Works Loan Board.”

The newspaper said today: “The project was given a cash boost in March when the city council agreed to lend it £21.4 million in addition to the £14.8 million already agreed.”

The salvaged columns, which ran to a depth of about four yards, are intended to form part of a memorial garden at a nearby seafront site.