The architect's website says of this 170 metre tower that it, ".. represents billowing spinnaker sails constructed as two large white steel arcs. The triple observation deck at the top offers visitors breathtaking 320 degree views and they find themselves standing on the largest glass floor in Europe."

The tower has had its problems and controversy dogged it during construction.  In October of 2005, an article appeared in the BBC Portsmouth News about the opening of the tower.  The article's author Anna Lindsay said that, ".. just like the Opera House and Millennium Wheel before it, the statuesque tower has not been without controversy, delays and overspending.  Due to open for the Millennium celebrations, the project is five years late, has cost £36m and left the taxpayer footing a bill of more than £11m.  When it was commissioned by city councillors the public was promised it would not have to pay a penny and that the bill would be met by lottery funding.  Built to encourage greater tourism in and around Portsmouth, the tower depicts a billowing sail and stands at 170m (558ft) - it is the UK's tallest public building outside London."