The colour scheme for the Emirates Spinnaker Tower is being actively reviewed after a significant backlash from Portsmouth residents.
Many in Pompey took great insult that the team colours of Southampton FC would be towering over their town, such is the intensity of the rivalry between the two clubs.
Petition quickly formed
Within a few hours of the announcement that the Spinnaker Tower would be painted red and white, a petition was already in place and in receipt of hundreds of signatures. Over the weekend that grew to nearly 10,000.
Donna Jones, leader of Portsmouth council, and Emirates say their have both looked and listen to the public feedback and have decided that the red paint job needs to go. Emirates say they don’t want the five year sponsorship deal getting off on the wrong foot.
Which colours next?
As yet it’s undecided what the new colour scheme might be like, but Donna’s statement (in full below) talks a lot about discussions with Portsmouth and her love of the Royal Navy – so it wouldn’t be a surprise if blue features.
On Twitter, Nick Moore has helpfully mocked a couple of example of what he thought it could like in blue and showing gold lettering.
email your suggestions – quickly
Portsmouth council are asking people to send their suggestions for how the Emirates sponsorship could best be displayed on the Spinnaker Tower. Only think is that you need to get them there before 9am tomorrow morning.
The email address to use is [email protected]
Donna Jones statement
Here’s the full statement from Donna
Emirates was announced as the naming rights sponsor of the Spinnaker Tower on Friday (5 June 2015) and branding designs for the iconic building were unveiled. The designs are being reviewed following feedback from Portsmouth residents and a revised look will be made public in the next few days.
Council Leader, Donna Jones, said: “As Leader of the City Council I have been extremely worried and concerned about the strong public response to the design of the Spinnaker Tower following the announcement of the Emirates deal.
“I am passionate about this city; I was born here and have lived here all my life. Everything I do as Leader of the City Council is to further this city and improve the living conditions for the residents. Likewise I love Portsmouth Football Club, the Royal Navy and our heritage. I fully understand people’s feelings about ‘blue’ being the city’s colour and the city emblem.
“That’s why I have read, listened, and taken on board all the comments that have been tweeted, emailed, and sent to me on Facebook and other social media. I only want to do what is best, and more importantly so do Emirates as our new partners who are keen to have a strong relationship with the city.
“I am pleased to advise that after working with Emirates over the weekend, and having spoken to Mark Catlin, chief executive of Portsmouth FC, and other key stakeholders, we are working up a new design for the Tower. The design will reflect the city’s heritage.”
The revised design for the branding of the Emirates Spinnaker Tower will be made public in the next few days.
In the meantime, Portsmouth residents and stakeholders are invited to continue to send the Leader of the Council their ideas and suggestions on how the tower should look, and a dedicated email address will be opened tomorrow (Monday).
Update 13:27: Added section about suggestions being requested.
Image: © Nick Moore
