"Terror threat" to landmark tower

Police warn that i360 could be a terrorist target

Lawrence Marzouk - The Argus Friday, 6 October, 2006

Police have warned that the planned 600ft Brighton Eye could become a terrorist target.

The advice came as Brighton and Hove City Council officers recommended planning permission be granted for the seafront viewing tower - officially known as the i360.

Tall buildings have increasingly become part of the terrorist hit list, with extremists plotting car bombs and plane attacks on sites such as Canary Wharf.

Peter Hardy, Sussex Police's crime prevention design officer, has written to the council asking developers to draw up a range of anti-terrorism measures.

Police are particularly concerned about the threat posed by car bombs from delivery vehicles and coaches.

Mr Hardy said: "There is every possibility that such a structure would become a target for terrorists and I have notified our principal terrorist officer. He will have separate discussions with the applicant."

Despite the concern, police have not recommended the i360 proposal be rejected, and the £20 million observation platform at the land end of the derelict West Pier looks set to move a step closer at a planning meeting next Wednesday.

Soaring above the city's skyline, the Developers hope the structure will be an iconic building to rival the Eiffel Tower.

Up to 500,000 visitors a year are expected, and the council has asked that one per cent of net profits from the £8 tickets go towards council environment, maintenance and improvement works.

The developer, which is behind the London Eye, will also need to put £80,000 towards transport improvements.

The ruins of the West Pier, which celebrates the 140th anniversary of its opening today, will also be removed as part of the project.

Architect David Marks said discussions had been held with police and changes made to the security plan.

"We are working with the police to ensure the security of visitors and our staff."

He said the planning meeting "is a major milestone we have been looking forward to for a very long time. We are feeling quite optimistic."

A pod carrying up to 100 people will rise every 20 or 30 minutes to provide views from Beachy Head in the east to the Isle of Wight in the west.