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

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

By Steve Deeks
Published 18th Jun 2026, 16:07 GMT

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.

24/10/2003. The Hampshire Poppy Appeal launch held at Gunwharf Quays under the gaze of The Spinnaker Tower PICTURE: MALCOLM WELLS ( 035316-72 )

5. Building of Spinnaker Tower

24/10/2003. The Hampshire Poppy Appeal launch held at Gunwharf Quays under the gaze of The Spinnaker Tower PICTURE: MALCOLM WELLS ( 035316-72 ) Photo: Malcolm Wells

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15/10/3. Gunwharf Quays by night with Spinnaker Tower in the background Picture Paul Jacobs (035174-4)

6. Building of Spinnaker Tower

15/10/3. Gunwharf Quays by night with Spinnaker Tower in the background Picture Paul Jacobs (035174-4) Photo: Paul Jacobs

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

7. Building of Spinnaker Tower

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

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Abseiling Santas clean the Spinnaker Tower. PICTURE: MATT SCOTT-JOYNT (055935-36)

8. Building of Spinnaker Tower

Abseiling Santas clean the Spinnaker Tower. PICTURE: MATT SCOTT-JOYNT (055935-36) Photo: News archive

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