THE controversial i360 on Brighton seafront has scooped three awards.

It was named Project of the Year at the South East Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Awards.

It also won awards for tourism and leisure and design through innovation.

British Airways i360 chairman David Marks said: “We are delighted and honoured to have received these prestigious awards, which acknowledge the importance of British Airways i360 both in design terms and to the city of Brighton and Hove.

“I’d like to congratulate and thank everyone involved in the project for this tremendous achievement.”

The awards celebrate inspirational initiatives in the region’s land, property and construction sectors.

According to judges, the Project of the Year accolade is presented to the scheme which demonstrates “overall outstanding best practice and an exemplary commitment to adding value to its local area.”

Judges said: “This project demonstrates innovation throughout the imaginative design and planning of the tower and pod, and also in the foundations, tower construction, the manufacture of the glass pod and the elegant lifting mechanism.

“The scheme also performs well on a sustainability criteria.

“It has created a new, exciting tourist attraction in place of the ‘lost’ West Pier which has already proved to be a great success.

“This is an innovative project that has created an iconic landmark on a famous British seafront.”

Judges said it was “a truly innovative project.”

The ceremony was held at the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton and hosted by ITV news presenter Sameena Ali- Khan.

The British Airways i360 team was represented by Marks Barfield Architects director Ian Crockford, who led the project, and architect Georgina Vizor.