Last week saw the beginning of a new era for Brighton seafront with the groundbreaking i360 viewing tower.

The transformation of the area has already begun with the opening of business units and studios in the new arches.

And the i360, dubbed a “vertical pier”, will bring much-needed regeneration to Brighton. There’s no doubt it has been a controversial issue, with some saying it is a waste of money and will not pull in customers.

But the fact is work has started now and it is time to get behind the vision.

It may be risky but no success comes without some element of risk.

Giving an entirely new dimension to the seafront, it is difficult to see how it could fail to bring in more visitors, with its potential for offering spectacular views out to sea, of the city and over the South Downs.