Portsmouth City Council has announced a new 25-year partnership with Landsec, owner and operator of Gunwharf Quays, for the operation of Spinnaker Tower from 11 October 2026. The new arrangements follow a procurement process launched by the council to secure a long-term partner to operate, invest in and enhance the attraction.

The agreement marks the start of a new chapter for the city’s most iconic landmark and builds on the strong relationship that already exists between Portsmouth City Council and Landsec through the successful operation of Gunwharf Quays. Landsec’s bid highlighted its ambition to integrate the tower within the wider Gunwharf Quays and Portsmouth visitor offer, while maintaining its identity as one of the UK’s leading visitor attractions.

Portsmouth City Council will remain the freeholder of Spinnaker Tower, while Landsec will become its long-term operating partner, helping to secure the attraction’s future and supporting opportunities for future investment, details of which will be announced in due course.

Landsec has appointed Company of Cooks to manage the day-to-day operation of Spinnaker Tower on its behalf. Part of the CH&CO group, Company of Cooks operates a portfolio of cultural, heritage and visitor attractions across the UK and will work alongside Landsec and Portsmouth City Council to support the tower’s continued success.

Importantly, the agreement secures the future of the existing workforce, with employees transferring to the new operating arrangements, ensuring continuity for staff and visitors alike.

Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Councillor Steve Pitt, said: “Spinnaker Tower is one of Portsmouth’s most recognisable landmarks and an important part of our visitor economy.

“This new partnership with Landsec builds on an already strong relationship through Gunwharf Quays and creates a solid platform for the tower’s future success.

“I’d like to thank the council officers, advisers and partners who have worked tirelessly over many months to complete this agreement ahead of the expiry of the current operating arrangements. Their hard work has ensured continuity for the attraction, security for employees and a smooth transition to the new partnership.

“We’re excited to begin this next chapter and look forward to working with Landsec and Company of Cooks in the years ahead.”

Yvonne Clay, Centre Director at Gunwharf Quays, said: “Spinnaker Tower is one of Portsmouth’s most recognisable landmarks and we’re delighted to be taking on its operation through this new partnership with Portsmouth City Council.

“The attraction plays a vital role in showcasing Portsmouth to visitors from across the UK and beyond, complementing the city’s wider leisure, retail and tourism offer. We look forward to working alongside Portsmouth City Council and Company of Cooks to deliver a smooth transition and continuing to provide the high-quality experiences that make Spinnaker Tower such a valued part of Portsmouth’s waterfront.”.

The new arrangements will come into effect on 11 October 2026. A short temporary closure will be required from this date to facilitate the operational handover. Visitors are thanked for their patience during this period.