New Spinnaker Tower partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support announced - but the Portsmouth attraction will not be painted green

The cancer charity is set to become the new presenting partner for the tower, which is owned by the council, which will remain its white colour and will not be renamed or repainted. Instead the charity's logo will appear on the bottom section of one of the tower's legs and on signs at the front and inside.

If advertising consent for the charity's logo to appear on the 170m structure is given by the council’s planning committee on May 31 then the partnership will begin in June.

The tower was previously known as the Emirates Spinnaker Tower under a five-year sponsorship deal that started in 2015. At first the move caused controversy when Emirate unveiled plans to repaint the tower in its corporate identity of red and white – not realising that these are the colours of Southampton FC. After a rethink the tower got a paint job in blue and yellow but has since been restored to its original white.

The new partnership is intended to raise awareness of the help available to people affected by cancer, particularly the services Macmillan provides to the community in and around Portsmouth and will support Macmillan's fundraising events and activities. The agreement will also generate income for the council.

Visitors will have the option to directly donate to Macmillan Cancer Support when they buy tickets. Macmillan will also hold fundraising events there over the next year, including charity abseils and a coffee morning in the clouds.

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Anthony Newman, brand and marketing director for Macmillan Cancer Support said: ‘This is a brilliant opportunity for Macmillan to reach more people affected by cancer. Locally, the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Queen Alexandra Hospital provides invaluable support to cancer patients and their families and, through the fundraising events and activities that can take place as part of this partnership, we hope to strengthen that support.

‘Sadly, the number of people being diagnosed with cancer is increasing every year and that means Macmillan’s support for people living with cancer is in more demand than ever. At Macmillan, we know how cancer can affect everything. We’re here to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can.’

Cllr Steve Pitt, Portsmouth City Council's cabinet member for culture, leisure and economic development, said: ‘This is set to be a really exciting partnership for Portsmouth and we're delighted to be working with Macmillan Cancer Support. The partnership with Macmillan marks a change of direction for the council in terms of our Spinnaker Tower partner. It is important to us that we joined forces with an organisation that provides real benefits to the people in our communities, and Macmillan certainly does that.

‘As a major UK landmark, the Spinnaker Tower attracts visitors from all over the world and provides an opportunity for us to forge partnerships like this that generate income which can be invested back into services for the local community.’

Last year over 166,000 people visited the Spinnaker Tower to enjoy 23-mile views over Portsmouth, the Solent, the South Downs and the Isle of Wight. While at the tower, visitors can venture across the glass Sky Walk 100 metres above sea level, discover the stories behind the views and have high tea in the clouds.

People who live in Portsmouth can save 25 per cent on standard all-day admission. To claim the residents' discount, book online and bring two proofs of residency on arrival - such as a photo ID with address, a valid Portsmouth Leisure Card or a utility bill with a name and address.

Visit www.spinnakertower.co.uk for full details and to book.

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