11:00am Saturday 24th November 2007
By Peter Law
IT is perhaps the most ambitious landmark project ever proposed for Southampton and could finally give the city the wow factor it has long searched for.
Standing upright on its tail, the Spitfire of the South could be the icon that defines Southampton and the grandest tribute anywhere in the world to the great Second World War fighter aircraft.
Taller than the 66ft (20m) Angel of the North and with wings almost as wide, the metal sculpture would glisten in the sun and lighting would bring it to life at night.
Due to the likelihood of its exposed location, the sculpture would have to withstand strong winds so strong foundations and vents in the wings are proposed.
The design concept was unveiled at the inaugural meeting of the Spitfire Tribute Foundation, which is tasked with making the vision for a memorial a reality.
The size, cost and location are a long way from being decided, but the foundation - made up of business leaders, council, military and media communities and including the Southern Daily Echo - unanimously backed the proposal.
Early suggestions for a site for the structure are at the junction of the M3 and M27 motorways, or the junction of the M27 and M271.
It is hoped the structure would stand over 100ft high and could cost between £1m and £2m when it includes a visitor centre and observation area.
Funding for the attraction will be sought from government bodies, private business sponsorship and public subscription both in Britain and throughout the Commonwealth.
The announcement comes after the Echo this month revealed Southampton could have been left in the shade by plans for a 150ft (45m) landmark - dubbed the Solar Pyramid - in Poole.
Councillor John Hannides, who is leading the current Spitfire memorial campaign, said the Spitfire of the South design concept provides an exciting focus for the project.
"It's making a monumental statement and is perhaps the most ambitious landmark project this city has ever pursued," the council's leisure boss said.
"It would, once and for all, associate Southampton with the Spitfire and then we can genuinely say 'Southampton: Home of the Spitfire'."
Solent Sky curator Alan Jones, a founding member of the Foundation, said: "The Angel of the North depicts the demise of the steel industry, whereas we will be commemorating a great achievement.
"Imagine it standing 100ft high on its end glistening in the sun - it will be stunning.
"The beauty is that it will still be true to the Spitfire, no one can deny that."
Cllr Hannides, the Cabinet member for leisure and culture, said a design brief was now being drawn up to present to potential developers.
The council has already earmarked £70,000 to investigate the design, planning and feasibility, however, Cllr Hannides stressed that no additional council money was available for construction.
Daily Echo editor Ian Murray, who attended the first committee meeting, said the paper was strongly supportive of a proposal to create a lasting tribute to the iconic Spitfire aircraft in Southampton.
"These are very early days, but this initial proposal will certainly fire the imagination.
"Personally I think that if this structure could be created then it would put Southampton firmly on the map both here and abroad," he said.
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