Brighton’s i360 observation tower is still on course to open in spring 2011 despite a question mark over its funding.

Marks Barfield, architects of the London Eye, met with the West Pier Trust and told members they were still committed to the project.

Trust chief executive Geoff Lockwood said: “The meeting went very well. Marks Barfield’s presentation was excellent and everything is still on track.

“There’s no fixed date for the work to start on site but they are progressing the work in Holland.

“They haven’t quite got the full funding together but they are ready to go as soon as they can.”

Work has already begun on the 172m tower with steelwork being pressed at a factory in Holland which will be shipped over once work is ready to start on the site at the shore end of Brighton’s derelict West Pier.