The futuristic Brighton Eye seafront observation tower has been handed an award before work has even begun.

The tower, designed by the architects of the London Eye and known as the i360, is predicted to attract 500,000 visitors a year, boost the city's economy and create more than 100 jobs.

Designed by Marks Barfield Architects it has now been selected as one of the best examples of innovation from this year's Architectural Review Future Projects Awards.

The awards recognise the role that design plays in the creation of successful developments, particularly focusing on how projects work within their urban setting.

The judges were particularly impressed by the sustainable use of wind turbines at the top of the i360 which will provide 20 per cent of the power required by the attraction.

Meanwhile exasperated bosses behind the ambitious tower are still waiting for the Government to rubber-stamp the project.

Work is due to begin on the futuristic 172m structure in May but the West Pier Trust, which owns the site, is still waiting for the Government to approve final planning permission.

The Noble Organisation, which runs the Palace Pier, objected to a harbour revision order being granted on the grounds it would increase competition on the seafront and adversely affect the pier's profits.

Fears have been raised that the project will be delayed if the decision drags on much longer.