Gunwhalf Quays and Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth at night.
Trevor Boston / Alamy Stock Photo
Image ID: CFD1TT
Gunwhalf Quays and Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth at night. Gunwharf Quays is an area of Portsmouth, Hampshire, now home to a large shopping centre. The centre opened on 28 February 2001 and is located on the site of the former Royal Navy shore establishment HMS Vernon, renamed HMS Nelson (Vernon Site) on March 31, 1986. In 1987, the establishment was renamed HMS Nelson (Gunwharf) although locally it continued to be known as HMS Vernon. The concept for the redevelopment was by the local firm HGP Architects. Its very successful exploitation of its harbour-side situation and the sympathetic integration of old and new architecture makes an interesting contrast with past redevelopments such as the Tricorn Centre. Spinnaker Tower is a 170-metre (560 ft)–high landmark tower in Portsmouth, England. It is the centrepiece of the redevelopment of Portsmouth Harbour, which was supported by a National Lottery grant. Its shape was chosen by Portsmouth residents from a selection of concepts. The tower, designed by local firm HGP Architects and the engineering consultants Scott Wilson and built by Mowlem, reflects Portsmouth's maritime history by being modelled after a sail. After several years of delays and cost overruns, it was opened on 18 October 2005. The tower, at a height of 170 m above sea level, is 2 1⁄2 times as high as Nelson's Column, making it the tallest accessible structure in the United Kingdom outside London. The tower is visible for miles around Portsmouth, changing the horizon of the area. It can be seen from the Isle of Wight, and even the Manhood Peninsula.
