Spinnaker Tower Searches for New Operator
•February 17, 2026
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Why It Matters
Securing a dynamic operator could lift Portsmouth's visitor economy and reinforce the tower’s status as a premier UK attraction. The move signals confidence in leisure‑sector growth and regional tourism revitalisation.
Key Takeaways
- •Portsmouth Council hires Colliers to find new tower operator.
- •Goal: unlock untapped potential, improve visitor experience.
- •Tower hosts viewing decks, bar, café, and events space.
- •Over 5 million visitors since 2005 show strong demand.
- •New operator could boost regional tourism revenue significantly.
Pulse Analysis
The Spinnaker Tower has long served as Portsmouth’s visual anchor, drawing tourists with panoramic views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight. While its architectural appeal remains strong, the attraction faces the same challenges as many mid‑size landmarks: maintaining relevance in a crowded leisure market and extracting maximum economic value from its facilities. By appointing Colliers, the council is leveraging professional expertise in licensed and leisure asset management, signalling a shift from passive ownership to active, revenue‑driven stewardship.
Industry trends show that visitor attractions increasingly rely on diversified experiences—interactive exhibits, premium dining, and event programming—to boost per‑guest spend. A new operator with a proven track record can introduce technology‑enabled ticketing, dynamic pricing, and seasonal activations that extend dwell time and attract repeat visits. Colliers’ mandate to source an operator capable of "investing, innovating and delivering" aligns with broader UK efforts to modernise heritage sites, turning them into multi‑use venues that serve both locals and tourists.
For Portsmouth, the stakes are economic as well as cultural. The city’s tourism sector contributes a significant share of local GDP, and the Spinnaker Tower’s visitor flow directly supports nearby hospitality, retail and transport businesses. A revitalised tower could act as a catalyst for waterfront regeneration, encouraging complementary developments such as boutique hotels or cultural festivals. In the competitive landscape of UK attractions—from the London Eye to the Eden Project—enhancing the Spinnaker Tower’s offering could secure its place as a must‑see destination on the south‑coast itinerary.
Spinnaker Tower searches for new operator
New era for Spinnaker Tower as iconic tower searches for new operator
A new chapter is on the horizon at the city’s “much‑loved” Spinnaker Tower as it hunts for a new operator to “unlock” its “untapped potential”.
Portsmouth City Council has appointed Colliers’ licensed and leisure team to secure a new leisure or visitor‑attraction operator for Spinnaker Tower, as it embarks on an exciting journey to “take it to the next level”.
The 170‑metre tower, located on the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour, provides unmatched panoramic views across the city, the Solent and over to the Isle of Wight.
Spinnaker Tower – photo credit: Marcin Jedrysiak
Councillor 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.”
Along with the three viewing decks, there is a kitchen and bar 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, while welcoming visitors daily to enjoy the view and take on the Sky Walk.
Cllr Pitt added:
“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.”
Construction at the iconic tower started in 2001 and took four years to complete, with its official opening on 18 October 2005.
The £35.6 million building, also known as the “Millennium Tower”, welcomed over 1,000 guests in the first three hours of opening and has seen more than 5 million visitors walk through its doors since.
Paul Bugeja, director in Colliers’ licensed and leisure team, said:
“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.”
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