It was with great relief and pleasure that we received the news that Brighton and Hove City Council has agreed the £36 million loan for the i360.

We believe the i360 will be an iconic statement on the seafront to complement the exciting developments that make Brighton and Hove an international attraction.

Apart from tidying up this part of the seafront and being a fine piece of architecture in itself, it will be an important additional attraction. That means more footfall, more turnover and more business, which is exactly what we need to support the local economy.

We would like to thank the two parties of the council – the Greens and the Conservatives – who made this decision in the interest of the city, putting their party differences aside.

Bringing about a better environment and improving our city should be above politics and we welcome this.

We hope we will soon see similar positive decisions on the future of the Hippodrome and the King Alfred.

Helmut Lusser, chairman, Hove Civic Society

I opened my hotel and restaurant in 1978. The West Pier, which was just across the road, had regretfully recently closed.

Ever since arriving in Brighton I have been active in supporting the development of a new pier and the i360.

The Conference Centre just along the road was what moved Brighton and Hove out of the bucket and spade era.

Following that innovation, the hotels improved, new restaurants were opened and the retail sector developed.

The knock-on effect for the city cannot be over-estimated.

Now we can back something that will bring significant community and economic benefits, locally, city-wide and regionally. I talk of the i360.

Its development will quickly revitalise the seafront and the surrounding area. Preston Street has been in a sad state for a number of years – it is in vital need of investment.

In return for facilitating a government loan the Council will receive £1.1 million per annum over 25 years.

Apart from the tourism benefits, there would be economic regeneration. It is expected to create 440 jobs and bring much-needed support to businesses.

The deal would not take one penny away from the council’s increasingly restricted budget, but would provide vital income.

The city is noted for being bold and a forerunner of innovation. This eye-catching and innovative attraction will demonstrate that the city is once again open for business.

Audrey Simpson, Marine Parade, Brighton