Spinnaker Tower: Revised designs revealed

Portsmouth City Council have released revised details of the re-branded Emirates Spinnaker Tower.

Two weeks ago the council approved a five-year sponsorship plan worth £3.5m with Emirates.

Massive public opposition
The news resulted in a huge public backlash after the plans revealed the tower’s sails would be painted red, the colour of rival football team, Southampton.

After 10,000+ people signed a petition objecting to the use of red on the tower, the council responded quickly saying that, working with Emirates, they’d review the designs and release revised plans in the following few days.

The new design, which has been based on the collective feedback from the local Portsmouth community, will see the bottom 50 metres of the tower take on a distinctive blue, with Emirates gold on the legs and back of the tower, whilst the iconic Spinnaker sails will remain white.

Cllr Jones: “Listened to the public”
Leader of the Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Donna Jones, said,

“We have listened to the public and created a new blue, gold and white design that is in keeping with suggestions from residents. This means we can move forward with the partnership with Emirates that will bring in £3.5m to support services for our residents, and gives us a unique opportunity to promote Portsmouth around the world.
“I want to thank everyone who took the time to send us their suggestions for the design. There were lots of calls for blue because of Portsmouth’s association with the colour, something I understand having lived in the city all my life, and there was a lot of support for the inclusion of Emirates’ gold in the design. We listened to those residents who told us they love the Spinnaker as it is, which is why the distinctive sail will remain white.”

President of Emirates, Sir Tim Clark, said,

“We take our responsibility as a sponsor very seriously. We listened to the feedback and worked with the Council to adapt the designs in order to create something that Portsmouth residents will be proud of. This is an exciting time for the city. The eyes of the world will be tuning in to watch the forthcoming America’s Cup World Series, an opportunity to showcase the very best of Portsmouth. We are looking forward to joining the residents in the celebrations.
“As a business, we have been committed to the United Kingdom ever since our first flight into London in 1987. We have invested heavily in the country through both our nationwide operations and our sponsorship portfolio of UK sporting institutions. This partnership is an extension of our commitment to the UK and we are proud to be in a position where our Emirates branding can sit alongside such an iconic British landmark.”

America’s Cup
The deal was planned to be in place and the branding complete in time for the America’s Cup which takes place in the Solent next month (July).

The final hurdle before the scheme can go ahead is the requirement for planning permission.