Colliers’ Licensed & Leisure team has been appointed by Portsmouth City Council to secure a new operator for the iconic Spinnaker Tower.
The 170-metre tower, located on the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour provides panoramic views across the city, the Solent and over to the Isle of Wight. Visitors travel up the tower in a high-speed lift to reach the three viewing decks, one of which features the ‘Sky Walk’ in which a clear floor provides a thrilling view down 100 metres.
Colliers has been appointed by Portsmouth City Council to search for a new leisure or visitor attraction operator to create a new era for the landmark. Along with the three viewing decks, there is a kitchen and bar on the waterfront at the base of the tower with potential to develop above, and a café located on View Deck 2. The tower also operates as an events space hosting functions and seasonal events, alongside welcoming visitors daily who have come to appreciate the view and take on the Sky Walk.
The location of Spinnaker Tower offers strong connectivity via the train station of Portsmouth Harbour, the numerous ferries arriving and departing from the harbour and the motorway links to the rest of the south. At the base of the tower lies Gunwharf Quays, ranked among the UK’s top three outlet centres which offers a unique blend of aspirational shopping and dining. The award-winning Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is under a 10-minute walk away, and Portsmouth city centre is a five-minute drive or under a half an hour walk from the tower.
Paul Bugeja, Director in Colliers’ Licensed & Leisure team, commented:
“The Spinnaker Tower is not only an architectural icon, but also a proven visitor destination. We expect strong interest from a range of operators who will jump at the opportunity to reinvest and unlock the untapped potential to create a unique leisure destination within the south coast’s most recognisable landmark.”
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:
“The Spinnaker Tower is our city’s beacon, and we are looking to unlock the next chapter for this much‑loved landmark. Working with Colliers, we want a new operator who will invest, innovate and deliver an even better experience for residents and visitors.
“We’re opening the door to experienced leisure operators who can bring imagination and vision to one of the UK’s most recognisable waterfront attractions and take it to the next level. The right partner will not only help us grow Portsmouth’s thriving visitor economy but will also ensure it continues to be one of the country’s premier attractions for years to come.”