THE story of how the i360 was built is revealed in a new exhibition at the seafront attraction.

Brighton and Hove Mayor Pete West opened the display, which will be a permanent fixture, in the Austen room at the tower.

It is called British Airways i360: How it was Built.

Images by official i360 photographers Kevin Meredith and Gary Eastwood, who documented the construction process, are displayed alongside additional shots by Paul Raftery and a short film by Latest TV.

Councillor West said: “The city is proud to have British Airways i360.

“What a modern expression of the city to the world it is.

“Along with our premiership football team, the i360 is putting the city on the world map like never before.

“As a Masters graduate of the University of Brighton in engineering, I can say that I like engineering – and I am very taken by this exhibition.

“With the i360, we have some truly innovative engineering that is already giving delight and inspiration to hundreds of thousands of people.

“The benefits to the local economy include 160 jobs created paying the local Living Wage and a £1 million annual income to the council via the Public Works Loan Board which is triggering regeneration of the seafront.

“Local businesses are also benefiting from the regeneration and the increased footfall the i360 generates.

“In summary, I just wish to say that I believe our new vertical pier is an all-round winner and I love it.”

Councillor Alan Robins, chairman of the city council’s economic development and culture committee, also spoke at the event, alongside i360 chairman David Marks and photographer Kevin Meredith.

The exhibition is free for the general public during spring, summer and autumn months.

During winter months or poor weather, when pod flights board from inside the beach building, access to the exhibition is for i360 customers only.

The i360 was conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects, creators of the London Eye.

Flights carry up to 200 passengers and depart every 30 minutes. The attraction is licensed for weddings and couples can marry in the pod, saying “I do” at 138m above the city.