Work is finally to get underway on Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower after three years of delay.

Construction of the 165m tower, the centrepiece of the £78m redevelopment of Portsmouth Harbour, is to due to start in the next few days after the original completion date 31 December 1999 was moved three times.

Plans to build the landmark tower appeared doomed after one construction company pulled out and a consortium was dropped because of irrevocable differences. Things began to look more positive with the appointment of construction company, John Mowlem.

The tower has a sail-like design that was chosen by the public and will feature viewing platforms at 100m, 105m and 110m above the Solent, a 'walk on air' glass floor in the lowest platform and an external panoramic lift. Heritage Projects will operate the tower which is due to open in 2003.