Former Dragon’s Den (a UK TV show) investor Sarah Willingham has been revealed as the new owner of Brighton’s failed i360 observation tower attraction, which collapsed leaving the local council with a bill topping £50m in loans.
The debts were waived for Willingham and her husband Michael Toxvaerd to step in and take over the venue.
Willingham, who runs Nightcap, the bar chain, is a local resident and wants the i360 to become a local hospitality focus.
In interviews with the local press, Willingham said: “I want it to be a hub - somewhere you can go for a croissant when you’re walking the dog or on a Friday night with the girls for a rosé.
"We’re all about hospitality. That’s what we do. And it should be a hub. It’ll be a blend between the tower and the hospitality.
"For locals, it should be a thriving place where we want to stop and have a drink. It’s right in the centre of the prom. That’s what will make people like it again - being a fun place you want to visit.”
Last year the i360 had 260,000 visitors, way below what was needed to make it viable and pay back its debts, but now Willingham plans to open it in March with many changes.
