Image: The tower overlooks the UK's Jurassic Coast

The new £3.5m (US$5.5m, EUR4.3m) Sea Life Tower overlooking Weymouth and the surrounding Jurassic Coast in southern England has become Merlin Entertainment's tourist attraction to open in the UK.

The 53m (174ft)-tall observation tower had been due to open next month, but was completed ahead of schedule after warm spring weather assisted the construction process.

Sea Life Tower features a rotating gondola spanning 12m (39ft) in diameter, accommodating up to 70 passengers at a time. The attraction also has a ground-level reception building.

Germany-based HUSS Park Attractions has been involved with the development of the new attraction, with the central column sections built in Hungary and the gondola built in France.

Craig Dunkerly, general manager of Sea Life Tower and the town's nearby Sea Life Centre, said holidaymakers and day-trippers will be encouraged to experience both attractions.

"There's a lovely synergy between the two attractions, with quite a lot of displays at the Sea Life Park devoted to creatures that live along the coastline or under the seas which Tower visitors will get such great views of," said Dunkerly.

Details: www.weymouth-tower.com