Also known as the “Millennium Tower”, the £35.6 million building was approved in September 1995 in a bid to create an educational hub for the community.
Work commenced in November 2001 and after four years, the tower opened on October 18, 2005.
On the opening day, the tower welcomed over 1,000 guests in the first three hours, and in the two decades it has been open, it has seen more than 5 million visitors walk through the doors.
To celebrate 20 years of the Spinnaker Tower, we have put together a gallery looking at the construction of the iconic building:
5. Spinnaker Tower
Work on the Spinnaker Tower at Gunwharf Quays, Old Portsmouth, where the metal fabrications for the legs of the structure are being constructed. Picture: Michael Scaddan | Michael Scaddan
6. Spinnaker Tower
The Spinnaker Tower under construction at Gunwharf Quays. Picture: Michael Scaddan | Michael Scaddan
7. Spinnaker Tower
Industrial finishers on their gantry perched 34-metres above Gunwharf Quays, applying the first coat of paint to the legs of the Spinnaker Tower at Old Portsmouth. Picture: Michael Scaddan | Michael Scaddan
8. Spinnaker Tower
The construction of the Spinnaker Tower. Picture: Malcom Wells | Malcom Wells