i360
What’s in store for the grand opening month? And what’s happened so far?
“British Airways i360 opened to the public on 4th August. We were featured on the One Show, had a live broadcast of the Heart Breakfast radio show from the pod on the opening morning, and welcomed community heroes from across Sussex on our first public flight. On August 13th there’s a spectacular free firework, sound and light show. In the first week we switched on the tower and pod lights for the first time. During Pride, we lit up the tower in rainbow colours and proudly flew Pride flags.”
How do you see the i360 benefitting the people of Brighton and Hove, and local companies?
“We have launched a local membership scheme offering residents of Brighton and Hove half price entry (it is £1 to become a member). Children attending a state school in the city will also be able to enjoy a free trip.
The i360 has an important role to play in the future of Brighton & Hove and we have been committed from the start to working using companies from the region, employing local residents (all paid at least the Living Wage) and bringing as much economic benefit as we can to the local community. The attraction is the cornerstone of the city’s seafront regeneration plans, bringing at least £1million income into the local authority, in addition to all the extra visitors we will bring to this part of the city. W e will be paying 1% of our ticket revenues back to the city in perpetuity.”
Do you see the tower attracting BA travellers flying into the south of England? “Absolutely! Passengers arriving at Gatwick
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can see British Airways i360 when they come in to land. Our sponsor, British Airways, is already promoting the attraction to its customers around the globe.”
How do you see the restaurant fitting into to the foodie market in the city?
“We believe there is a gap in the market for a destination beachside restaurant. Our vision for the Belle Vue Brighton restaurant is to serve the best of Sussex so customers can enjoy food and drink grown, reared, caught, brewed or produced in Sussex. The menu developed by our caterer Heritage Portfolio and our creative director, MasterChef: The Nyetimber Sky Bar on board British Airways i360 is also showcasing Sussex drinks such as Wobblegate apple juice, Harveys beer, South Downs water, Brighton Gin and, of course, Nyetimber sparkling wine. There is a real foodie scene developing in this part of Brighton with incredible restaurants such as The Salt Room, the Set at Artists Residence, Riddle and Fins and GB1 and, of course, all the wellestablished restaurants in Preston Street.”
“We are offering a fantastic venue, with stunning, flexible event rooms for all kinds of celebrations and business events, with private beach decks and state-of-the-art facilities, supported by great service and catering. With our exciting pod ride and Nyetimber Skybar, we also offer something extra special to support the major hotels and venues in Brighton, for all those extra fringe events and entertainment that conferences and business meetings need.
What kind of visitor numbers are you expecting? What have you allowed for? Our goal is to attract around 700,000 visitors per year.
What are the booking options?
“Tickets cost from £13.50 per adult and from £6.75 per child, when booked online at BritishAirwaysi360.com at least three days in advance. Walk-up prices are £15.00 per adult and £7.50 per child. Discounts are available for students and pensioners, and children under 4 go free.”
Tell us about the West Pier influence.
“One of the loveliest aspects of our development has been producing facsimile reproduction West Pier toll booths that greet our customers – one is used as our ticket office, and the other as a tea rooms. British Airways i360 i s seen as a modern-day vertical pier so guests can walk on air to get a fresh perspective on their city.”
What do you feel the tower offers to local businesses for corporate hire and events?
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A Residents’ Membership scheme will give Brighton and Hove residents living in BN1, BN2, BN3 and BN41 postcodes up to half-price tickets for just £1 per year. To apply, residents should take a piece of photo ID and proof of their address to the British Airways i360 ticket office.