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Gardiner & Theobald is cost managing the tallest observation tower in the UK, the Brighton i360.The 600ft high structure, designed by London Eye architect Marks Barfield, will be positioned at the beach end of the damaged Grade 1 listed West Pier.The pod at the top will hosue 100 people.

Work is due to start on the project early next year and completion is due in 2008. The scheme is being backed by private funders.

Brighton i360 has the full support of the West Pier Trust. The new building will provide an income stream for the Trust to finance its heritage retention works and decide on the future of the pier.

Brighton was chosen to house the tower mainly because of its huge tourist economy with around 8 million people visiting the resort yearly.

Brighton i360 will be operated by I-Xperience. It’s anticipated the building will create 109 new full-time jobs, boost tourist revenue up to £10m and act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the area.