The tower original name was Portsmouth Millenium Tower, designed as a monument to commemorate the Millennium celebrations in 2000. The project was conceived in 1995, and planned to open in 1999. However, due to political, financial, contractual and constructions problems, the project just began in 2001, and was completed in 2005. The tower was also renamed to Spinnaker Tower, because its construction was not completed for the Millennium as planned. 

Once open, the tower attracted crowds in excess of expectations, with more than 600,000 people visiting it in the first year. It is one of a number of observation towers around the world that have become popular, including Vancouver’s Harbour Centre, Toronto’s CN Tower, Blackpool’s Tower, New York City’s One World Trade Center (as well as the original Twin Towers) and Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower.

In order to protect the façade elements against moisture, driving rain and wind avoiding corrosion, insulation deterioration and mould growth, Effisus Breather FR System was applied.