Nightcap acquires Brighton’s i360 Tower and hospitality venue
The deal will allow the continued operation of the Brighton attraction, which brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to the sea front every year
Nightcap has announced the acquisition of Brighton’s i360 Tower, following a decision by Brighton and Hove City Council to release the debt in support of the landmark’s future under the hospitality operator’s management.
This means that the acquisition has been completed free of debt and any historic liabilities, allowing a fresh start for the venue post Nightcap’s capital investment.
The deal will allow the continued operation of the Brighton attraction, which brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to the sea front every year.
Under this agreement, Nightcap has taken over the remaining 115-year lease of the i360, a site recognised as “one of the world’s tallest moving observation towers”.
The i360 benefits from more than 20,000 sq ft of hospitality trading space including multiple bars, events spaces, cafes and entertainment areas, as well as 75m of beach frontage, a beach bar, terrace, and rooftop and beach operating space.
The group, which was founded by Brighton locals Sarah Willingham and Michael Toxvaerd, has now expanded its portfolio to 46 venues, including brands such as The Cocktail Club, Luna Springs, Dirty Martini, and The Piano Works.
Nightcap CEO Sarah Willingham said: “We couldn’t be happier to welcome the i360 to the Nightcap family and delighted that Brighton & Hove City Council has paved the way for us to keep this iconic landmark open. We look forward to working with them to make the West Pier part of Brighton a thriving hub for residents and visitors alike.
“We pass the i360 every day and were as disappointed as everyone else when it went into administration and no buyer was found. The impact of its closure would have been catastrophic to our local businesses and a blemish on this important part of the Brighton seafront. We hope we will get the support of our tight knit local community as we embark on this new chapter for the i360.”
Cllr Jacob Taylor, deputy leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, added: “We are delighted that Nightcap has taken such a keen interest in revitalising the i360, and their passion and commitment to the city is evident. We think this is the best option for the city – giving a fresh start for the attraction, and helping to ensure this important stretch of seafront can thrive.”
