The i360 viewing pod in Brighton has filed for administration, leaving the future of the seafront tourist attraction uncertain. Brighton i360 Ltd remains £51m in debt to Brighton & Hove City Council, according to the authority.

The company which owns Brighton's landmark observation tower is expected to file for administration. The i360 was opened by the Duke of Edinburgh in 2016. | ITV News Meridian

The 162m-tall ‘vertical pier’ opened on Brighton’s beachfront in 2016. It was built and operated by Brighton I-360 Limited, which is chaired by Marks Barfield co-founder Julia Barfield. However, the company has struggled with loan repayments since June 2018, when the council first agreed to defer a repayment date.

The Brighton i360 is heading into administration and could be torn down if a buyer cannot be found. Court filings from Brighton i360 Ltd confirmed that the owners of the towering seafront landmark would be filing for insolvency – still owing the council £51 million council debts with it.

Brighton residents say the i360 heading towards administration is sad for the city – but many are not surprised.

Brighton’s iconic seafront tower, Brighton i360, has filed for insolvency leaving its outstanding £51m debt to the city council unpaid.

Brighton seaside attraction files for insolvency amid £51m debt to council - Brighton i360 blamed escalating costs, bad summer weather and the cost-of-living crisis for the move