Brighton's i360 tower has been further delayed – but those behind the project insist it will still be built.

Work on the 183m tower was originally due to begin in July 2007 but was put back when the credit crisis began to affect major building projects.

Earlier this year, the West Pier Trust and architects Marks Barfield said they hoped work would begin this autumn.

But the Argus can reveal the plans have now been delayed again, with work on the site now unlikely to begin this year.

The cost of the tower, which is being built at the shore end of the derelict West Pier, has also risen since the original estimate of £20 million. The planned completion date of 2010 is now in doubt.

Dr Geoff Lockwood, chairman of the West Pier Trust, said: “The project is still being affected by the credit crunch and Marks Barfield is still trying to get the money together.

“They are due to update us at our annual general meeting on November 19.”

Despite the setback, Dr Lockwood insisted the project has not been scrapped.

He said: “It’s not like a lot of projects which are falling by the wayside. It definitely will happen.”

A spokeswoman for Marks Barfield confirmed the company would be attending the meeting in November.

A number of major building projects across Sussex have been scrapped or delayed because of the current financial climate, including the King Alfred in Hove and the Brighton Marina redevelopment.