TWO projects are going head to head in a bid to bring the elusive wow factor to Southampton.

In the blue corner is a scheme to install a life size replica of a Spitfire on the roundabout near to the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel.

In the red corner is a plan for three giant colourful murals representing the city's past, present and future.

On Monday the two proposals will compete for £230,000 of Government money.

Eight business and community representatives who sit on the Southampton Partnership will decide which, if any, of the two projects should receive the money from the South East England Development Agency.

Today the Daily Echo can unveil plans by Southampton Solent University to create a Wall of Fame and Vision. The project, featuring images celebrating some of the city's heritage, personalities and achievements, is planned for the university's Sir James Matthew Building, next to Guildhall Square.

Speaking publicly for the first time about the visual displays, Southampton Solent University's director of marketing and communication, Trevor Thorne, said it was the best project to deliver the "wow" factor.

"It is also not just about Southampton's past. It shows what the city is about and the future.

"The Spitfire is a wonderful design icon of the 20th century but this is about what the city is about now and what it will become in the future.

"These walls fully embrace the communities that make up the city."

The mural was Mr Thorne's own idea and designed by some of the university's graduates. The 50ft display features the Spitfire, the Cunard liners, the 1976 FA Cup winning Saints football team and even someone reading a copy of the Daily Echo.

"This is very much our idea of what we would like to go on the mural but it is something that we would like to get the community's views on of what they would like to see."

There will also be photography exhibitions and plasma screens filling the windows at street level depicting the city's achievements. During the evenings low voltage LED lighting will illuminate the murals, photo montage and aluminium panels on the walls.

A second phase of the project involves a plan to turn the café in the square, also part of the Sir James Matthew Building, into an Internet café and education shop.

As previously reported in the Echo, Southampton City Council's ruling Conservative group has drawn up a proposal to install a life-size replica of a Spitfire on the roundabout near to the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel. The Spitfire was designed in Southampton by R J Mitchell for the Supermarine Company in Woolston.

The prototype made its maiden flight from Eastleigh airfield in March 1936, paving the way for 22,000 of them to be built up until 1945, including 8,000 in Southamp-ton. It played a pivotal role in defeating the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain in 1940.

Councillor John Hannides, Southampton City Council's Cabinet member for leisure and culture believes his proposal for a Spitfire to be installed on the De Vere roundabout is the most deserving of government cash.

He said: "The Spitfire showcases an engineering design icon in a modern setting. It is a living legend and Southampton is in its rightful home.

"Its evocative image will be a major attraction for residents, tourists and commuters."