The first stage in the development of an exciting new attraction based at the Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth, has been completed. Portsmouth City Council granted permission late on Wednesday 23 June for the installation of a fan-assisted freefall experience at the iconic tower.
If the next steps in the process are successful, the Powerfan® attraction will become the highest jump of its kind in the northern hemisphere. It is anticipated that the new freefall experience, which will be unique to Portsmouth, will bring more visitors to the city, Gunwharf Quays and the Spinnaker Tower.
Situated on the north face of the tower on a small platform at 120 metres high, the drop-ride has been designed to fit in with tower’s original architectural style, causing minimal impact on the structure, using an existing recess within the building for access and with the ability to be removed with no lasting effects.
Juliana Delaney, chief executive of the business which operates the Spinnaker Tower, commented: "We are still in the early stages of development but nevertheless all the signs are looking extremely positive. By this time next year we hope to provide visitors to Portsmouth with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience safe freefall, whilst encouraging, through the knock-on effect, continued stimulation of the local economy.
The Spinnaker Tower is a top-class iconic structure – a first on the South Coast. We want to go further by adding another first – the highest freefall experience in the northern hemisphere. It will be a once in a lifetime experience to watch others do, as well as to do oneself."
Mike Turner, head of business development at Powerfan® UK Ltd, the partner company who design, manufacture, install and operate the equipment, added: "There is currently no other attraction quite like the one we are proposing to install at the Spinnaker Tower so it’s a very exciting prospect for us and the city."
The freefall experience is subject to a rigorous set of tests and inspections to ensure the highest level of safety. The Powerfan® equipment also operates with zero noise pollution, limiting any impact both auditory and visual on the surrounding area. Further information will be announced as developments progress.
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