LONDON, July 29 — The world’s tallest moving observation tower is set to open in Brighton next week, set to send visitors up 450 feet in the air on a vertical cable car.
Designed by the same architects who dreamed up the iconic London Eye, British Airways i360 is England’s newest landmark, erected in the seaside resort town of Brighton about an hour’s train ride south of London.
Designed like a futuristic glass viewing pod, the capsule glides slowly up to 450 feet, where it stops and allows riders to take in the 360-degree views across Brighton, the South Downs and the Sussex coastline.
Flights last about 20 minutes when taken in the day and stretch out to 30 minutes after 6 pm when the pod transforms into the Sky Bar, serving locally produced sparkling wine.
The tower’s completion comes 10 years after the idea was first conceived by husband and wife team David Marks and Julia Barfield.
The tower itself is powered entirely on green and renewable energy, and the pod’s descent generates half of the energy required to power its ascent.
At the base of the tower, the beach building is set to house a trio of different dining options that will include a formal dining area, a tea room and casual café with terrace that overlooks the pier.
Other features include a children’s play area and retail spaces.
Tickets are now on sale. The tower opens to the public August 4. — AFP-Relaxnews
