Wonderful retro pictures revealing the making of Portsmouth's famous Spinnaker Tower

By Steve Deeks

Published 18th Jun 2026, 16:07 BST

Following on from our look back at the building of the Spinnaker Tower last week, here are some more pictures showing how the famous building took shape.

Since it opened in 2005 at Gunwharf Quays, the 550ft high structure has come to symbolise the regeneration of post-war Portsmouth.

See pictures below of the tower being built.

The Spinnaker tower starts to rise from its foundations at Gunwharf Quays, Old Portsmouth. 6/3/03

1. Building of Spinnaker Tower

The Spinnaker tower starts to rise from its foundations at Gunwharf Quays, Old Portsmouth. 6/3/03 Photo: Mike Scaddan

21st December 2001. The construction of The Spinnaker Tower gets under way with concrete filled piling beside the existing Gunwharf development. Picture: Malcolm Wells 016639-1

2. Building of Spinnaker Tower

21st December 2001. The construction of The Spinnaker Tower gets under way with concrete filled piling beside the existing Gunwharf development. Picture: Malcolm Wells 016639-1 Photo: Malcolm Wells

5th December 2003. The Spinnaker Tower under construction at Gunwharf Quays. Picture: Michael Scaddan 036132-0048

3. Building of Spinnaker Tower

5th December 2003. The Spinnaker Tower under construction at Gunwharf Quays. Picture: Michael Scaddan 036132-0048 Photo: Mike Scaddan

18/1/05. View of the Spinnaker Tower from Old Portsmouth with top complete PICTURE:JONATHAN BRADY 050248-4

4. Building of Spinnaker Tower

18/1/05. View of the Spinnaker Tower from Old Portsmouth with top complete PICTURE:JONATHAN BRADY 050248-4 Photo: Jon Brady

Portsmouth Spinnaker Tower Gunwharf Quays