i360 bosses mark attraction's first year

The i360, which was conceived and designed by the creators of the London Eye, held a special anniversary event on Friday (August 4).

Customers on the 2pm flight on Friday, were met by directors David Marks and Julia Barfield of Marks Barfield Architects, and the new chief executive of the i360 Steve Bax, who handed out free drinks and cupcakes. There was also a performance from Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus.

Mr Marks, British Airways i360 chairman, said: “Exactly one year ago, at this moment, British Airways i360 opened to the public. Since then we have welcomed hundreds of thousands of guests and won nine fantastic awards. As we celebrate the wonderful achievements of the past year we would like to thank you, our customers, for your support. There is a lovely atmosphere here today and we are all looking forward to another successful year ahead.”

The ride suffered a number of breakdowns in its first year, with problems due to a ‘load imbalance’ in September, problems with the data ribbon in February, and another problem in March, forcing the ride to close for several days on each occasion.

Ms Barfield said: “We did have teething problems. It is a sophisticated, highly innovative machine. But we have got great engineers in site. We have been running smoothly now for four months now, and long may that continue.”

On the first year’s visitor numbers hitting 500,000, Ms Barfield said: “We are comfortable with that. We are making all the repayments to the council as expected.”

The i360 has paid £2.6m to Brighton and Hove City Council in loan repayments, in addition to an initial £1m, as part of its agreement to repay £36.2 borrowed by the council from the Public Works Loans Board for the project.

Of the £1.8m profit from the repayments, the council is set to use £1.1m to help restore Madeira Terraces. The remaining £700,000  has been used to help fund the landscaping work on either side of the i360, with new lighting and using the columns from the old West Pier to form a new public monument.

Looking to the future, Mr Bax said he would like to grow the visitor numbers. He said: “You look for a growth year on year. We want to grow the business.”

He also pointed out that 80 per cent of Trip Advisor reviews for the attraction were ‘good’ or ‘very good’, which he wants to maintain.

He said: “We want to build what we have done this year and continue to give the customers an incredible experience.”

Talking about the highlights of the last year, Mr Marks said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s visit was very special. He brought in his special sense of humour.  He ribbed everybody mercilessly with great humour.”

Ms Barfield added: “He had a great knowledge as well. Very impressive. His background is in engineering.”

Officially opening the attraction on October 28, Prince Phillip said: “It’s been open. But it’s more open than usual.”

Other highlights included inviting 39,000 schoolchildren onto the ride for free, signing up 26,000 local resident members (people living in the city who benefit from half-price tickets), and a host of awards for design and innovation, including a RIBA national award.

The i360 has also hosted five weddings and countless proposals, and has supported seven charities, including Trust for Developing Communities, which supports young people living in poverty.

Warren Morgan, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “British Airways i360 is a great attraction for the seafront and we congratulate all involved on their first year of operation. This innovative venture has been drawing much local attention and gaining interest much further afield. In the city it’s been great to see all school children given free tickets for a visit up the tower. And the council’s tourism team, Visit Brighton, report there has been great international interest in the i360 with visitors from around the globe coming to see the city from up high. Happy anniversary i360.”