The iconic Brighton i360 seafront attraction has abruptly closed its doors, leaving staff claiming they will not be paid ahead of Christmas.
Multiple employees have expressed devastation, with reports emerging that management informed them of the closure on Thursday, December 19, citing financial difficulties and the failure to secure new investment.
Closure Announcement
An internal email, seen by The Argus, reportedly stated:
“Following an extremely challenging summer, it has been necessary to seek additional investment into the business… the last of the potential offers has fallen through. As such, we have no further choice but to appoint administrators.”
The email confirmed that administrators from Interpath Advisory will take office on Friday, December 20, marking the immediate cessation of operations. Staff were advised to collect personal belongings and were informed that payroll would not be processed next week.
Impact on Staff
The email also stated:
“It is devastating to have to tell you this, and even more so at this time of year. We have worked so hard to find a positive outcome… Thank you so much for making Brighton i360 the incredible place it is.”
Staff expressed anger and heartbreak at being left unpaid so close to the holiday season, with many now facing financial uncertainty.
Financial Troubles
The closure follows Brighton i360 Ltd’s insolvency filing on November 27, revealing debts of £51 million owed to Brighton and Hove City Council. The council had borrowed millions from the Government to support the construction of the attraction, which opened in 2016.
Repayments have been an ongoing challenge, with the debt now equating to nearly £180 per resident in Brighton and Hove, a city with a population of 278,000.
Council Response
The council has not yet commented on the latest closure but had previously acknowledged the financial difficulties faced by the i360, which had been struggling to meet repayment deadlines.
Next Steps
A staff meeting with administrators is scheduled for Friday, December 20, to outline further steps, including guidance on the Redundancy Payment Service.
The sudden closure of the Brighton i360 marks the end of a troubled chapter for the once-ambitious project, leaving both staff and local taxpayers grappling with its financial fallout.
