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Spitfire monument to be Angel of the South?
11:00am Saturday 24th November 2007
Comments (56)
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.
Your Say YourDaily Echo
Harry Remmington, New Forest says...
11:15am Sat 24 Nov 07
Any money should be spent on the city infrastructure to make it a pleasant place to visit.
No good being enticed by a gimmick if you are going to be fleeced on parking charges, stabbed and mugged.
Denzil, Romsey says...
11:15am Sat 24 Nov 07
mo, soton says...
11:21am Sat 24 Nov 07
Chris, says...
11:40am Sat 24 Nov 07
Cll Hannides has stressed that only £70,000 of public funds will be spent on this project! Out of the council's budget this is a tiny amount, and the increase in tourism that this monument would bring would be beneficial to the local economy.
spindr, everywhere and nowhere baby says...
11:42am Sat 24 Nov 07
cityboy, southampton says...
11:47am Sat 24 Nov 07
Harry Remmington, New Forest says...
11:49am Sat 24 Nov 07
So where does the
£925,000.00 come from?
There is such a thing as "willy waving" and trying to compete with Portsmouth, Bournemouth and Poole
will require a lot of viagra for the Council
Tott, says...
12:08pm Sat 24 Nov 07
Andy, Locks Heath says...
12:15pm Sat 24 Nov 07
Datarater, Southampton says...
12:30pm Sat 24 Nov 07
Chris, says...
12:47pm Sat 24 Nov 07
Harry Remmington wrote:Fund raising and donations from private companies. It's amazing how much a big corporation will give in return for a bit of PR in the form of a tiny plaque somewhere.
Cll Hannides has stressed that only £70,000 of public funds will be spent on this project! Out of the council's budget this is a tiny amount, and the increase in tourism that this monument would bring would be beneficial to the local economy.
So where does the
£925,000.00 come from?
There is such a thing as "willy waving" and trying to compete with Portsmouth, Bournemouth and Poole
will require a lot of viagra for the Council
As for talk of an elected mayor, I'm not a fan. It simply places the power of the cabinet into the hands of a single individual, and there would still be issues getting things done as the council would still not contain a majority for any single party.
34 authorities have held a referendum on whether to have an elected mayor (don't forget holding the referendum costs the council money), and only 12 have been passed. Since then 4 of the 12 have had sizeable campaigns start up with the intent to abolish the mayoral post.
gorf, soton says...
1:00pm Sat 24 Nov 07
forget an ice rink its not what people want!
Jean Murray, Southampton says...
1:03pm Sat 24 Nov 07
Robbie, Soton says...
1:04pm Sat 24 Nov 07
Whatever happened to individualism?
Richie, Southampton says...
1:25pm Sat 24 Nov 07
gorf wrote:I have to agree with you gorf,i think this would be a wonderful advert for Southampton,lets hope they don't get the same idiot to make it as Southampton Football Club did to make the statue of Ted Bates.As for the ice rink again i agree with you,most people in Southampton do not want it-i personally do not think it would get the use & finacially would not be worth it.
love the idea.
forget an ice rink its not what people want!
wontee, soton says...
1:30pm Sat 24 Nov 07
Judging by the demand, Southampton needs at least two ice rinks.
dave, millbrook says...
1:31pm Sat 24 Nov 07
princey boy, Bitterne says...
2:20pm Sat 24 Nov 07
This is a brilliant idea,and anyone who knocks should remember if it was not for the spitfire,
they would not be here now.
The SPITFIRE saved the world.
We have something to be proud of,but l guess that have the people who have posted on this subject are here not because they were born here,they have had to move here just to earn a living.
I am born and bred a Sotonian and l am proud of that fact,as l am proud of the greatest invention of all time.
So if you dont like it,find another job.
wontee, soton says...
2:26pm Sat 24 Nov 07
Don't ever forget that the spitfire was designed by a Northerner.
Andy P, Millbrook says...
2:29pm Sat 24 Nov 07
Denzil wrote:
How about an ice rink?
Denzil if you want an ice rink,put one in that sad little village where you live.
We dont want little village idiots like you coming into our city, prancing and dancing on blocks of ice for goodness sake.
And show some respect for the city that saved the world.
Now go and fiddle with your pony,village boy!
Jack Grafter, Southampton says...
2:32pm Sat 24 Nov 07
Stuart, says...
2:34pm Sat 24 Nov 07
princey boy, Bitterne says...
2:36pm Sat 24 Nov 07
wontee wrote:Yes and dont you forget where it was built,and the people who were killed building it,tit!
mincey boy, Don\\\'t ever forget that the spitfire was designed by a Northerner.
SOTONIAN, southampton says...
3:00pm Sat 24 Nov 07
cityboy wrote:i think that this is a listed structure!!!!!
this is a winner,plus a painting programme of the drab concrete central station,precinct etc ,or inventive cladding would go along way to making southampton far more attractive to visitors.
Costa Baz, says...
3:02pm Sat 24 Nov 07
dave wrote:I agree it should be town centre for the reasons you mention plus it will bring in tourists who would spend money in the city shops and restaurants etc, bring real benefit to Southampton.
I think it's a good idea BUT PUT IT IN THE TOWN CENTRE NOT ON A MOTORWAY WHERE NOONE CAN STOP AND LOOK AT IT/TAKE PHOTOS ETC.ALL THAT WILL DO IS CAUSE ACCIDENTS.WE CAN'T EXPECT THE POLITICIANS TO BE ABLE TO GET TWO THINGS RIGHT AT THE SAME TIME I SUPPOSE!!!!
King Mush, Woolston says...
3:46pm Sat 24 Nov 07
princey boy wrote:Yeah - right here in Woolston! Not forgetting the brave guys who flew these amazing planes and not always came home.
wontee wrote: mincey boy, Don\\\'t ever forget that the spitfire was designed by a Northerner.Yes and dont you forget where it was built,and the people who were killed building it,tit!
What's with this stupid North/South divide anyway?
It's bad enough with the juvenile Soton-Pompey nonsense
Mrs S Evans, says...
4:26pm Sat 24 Nov 07
The spitfire is elegant and fine it should be shown flying, perhaps three together at the peak of a slim support,, not dumped on its tail like it reversed into the ground.
karen - southampton, says...
4:28pm Sat 24 Nov 07
Belinda, Southampton says...
5:24pm Sat 24 Nov 07
Jeremy Taxman, says...
5:45pm Sat 24 Nov 07
The laser gateway, the Benny Hill statue, the West Quay centre, the Spitfire project, and the multitude of other ideas (whacky or otherwise) have all been someone's target. Gradually, a city with a clear focal point, namely the Bargate, has become a haphazard mish-mash of ill-matched buildings, structures, and sculptures, each one somebody's target achievement.
Southampton already has a wow factor : one is always overwhelmed by the vast amount of concrete, glass, plastic, and paving slabs concentrated into such a small area.
Take a look at these books and calendars that show views of Southampton now, and the same view eighty years ago. Bitterne, and the city centre seem to have suffered the most from ill-considered modernization with cheap materials. The result is a blank, barren landscape without character.
The Spitfire project, no matter how worthy the purpose, will become just one more bit of clutter in the shambles of a builder's yard that is the Southampton of today.
Rich, Sholing says...
6:31pm Sat 24 Nov 07
Rich, 272-240 says...
6:40pm Sat 24 Nov 07
I've never liked the idea of focusing purely on the Spitfire. The real identity of Southampton shouldn't be frozen in place by something that happened 60 years ago. The real heart of our city is in the docks. For 100 years it's been the biggest organ for employment, migration, empowerment and social change in our city. How many of us had friends or family who worked at the docks or on the ships at some point? Celebrate THAT. It's why we are who we are.
Godfrey Guffaw, Soton says...
8:13pm Sat 24 Nov 07
Jack Grafter wrote:How about a model of the QE2 sat on her stern??
I think some kind of monument would be a good idea to give an identity to the city, but this isn't it. A spitfire sat on it's tail just looks odd. The Angel of the North beats it hands down. Come up with something original.
John, Southampton says...
9:22pm Sat 24 Nov 07
Costa Baz wrote:I agree with these comments, you only have to visit Portmouth to see the effects that the Spinnaker Tower has provided to the waterfront area of the city.
dave wrote: I think it\'s a good idea BUT PUT IT IN THE TOWN CENTRE NOT ON A MOTORWAY WHERE NOONE CAN STOP AND LOOK AT IT/TAKE PHOTOS ETC.ALL THAT WILL DO IS CAUSE ACCIDENTS.WE CAN\'T EXPECT THE POLITICIANS TO BE ABLE TO GET TWO THINGS RIGHT AT THE SAME TIME I SUPPOSE!!!!I agree it should be town centre for the reasons you mention plus it will bring in tourists who would spend money in the city shops and restaurants etc, bring real benefit to Southampton.
wontee, soton says...
9:59pm Sat 24 Nov 07
Ever heard of Castle Brom. That's where most Spitfires were built !
And if Soton is as famous and glorious as the Echo tells us, why does it need a wow factor ?
Lorraine Barter, Southampton says...
10:14pm Sat 24 Nov 07
Lee Clarke, Southampton, England says...
12:28am Sun 25 Nov 07
Forget an ice rink, there is very little demand any more. Forget parking charges, use public transport and do the planet a favour. This will bring recognition to the city, and a boost to the local economy.
Beautiful, all good.
Simon, says...
1:25am Sun 25 Nov 07
Not to offense anyone, but just my 2 cents worth of opinions from a place far away from Southampton.
I came across this article and interested about the memorial.
The Spitfire Memorial is needed for a few reasons. If the Spitfire and Her brother Hurricane didn't appear on the Battle Of Britian. The History may be changed,not to England but to the whole world as well.
Those who oppose for this campaign and didn't appreciate those who build, flew, service or served with the Spitfire may be forgot that maybe today you may not exist on the mother earth at all because your hometown was taken by Axis Powers 66 years ago.
Please Honor them, honor the people who served with Spitfire,honor your town, because Spitfire is so famous to the world that the town deserved a memorial. It can bring more incomes to the town as well, visitors will love it i believe.
Good Luck To You All Sounthampthom
Robert, says...
6:05am Sun 25 Nov 07
Pukeko, Dunedin, New Zealand says...
6:40am Sun 25 Nov 07
Datarater wrote:So I suppose youre idea of 'forward thinking' would advocate more ugly vapid modern buildings?! Think to the future eh?, (whatever that is, such as things are!) lets simply add to the concrete jungle. Wizard idea, like no one's done it there or elsewhere already! (Including here) Jobs like the Portsmouth Spinnaker tower (as an example of modern yuck) are just ugly monstrosities, totally out of harmony with historic surroundings, and certainly a s a visitor to the area recently, I didnt even point my camera at it, only aiming at what Portsmouth has that is of decent merit, that which is time honoured. When one looks at the nasty sprawl of malls West Quay area and waterfront apartments, its at least nice to whirl down the likes of Bugle St and see a slice of old England that hasnt been decimated. A bit more looking in the rear view is called for, given the way its become!
I have to agree with spindr we do need an elected mayor. We are desparate for someone with some forward vision and not this rear view mirror driving which dominates so much of this city\'s thinking. Spitfires are great in a museum but this city is a world gateway. Get focused on that and not on a war which finished 62 years ago!!!
If not for the Spitfire, there wouldnt have been too much of a today in any case, as others have said.
While the idea of having a larger than life Spitfire to create an original wow factor is a good idea, putting it vertical is doubtless trying to put in awful 'modern art' (yuck factor!) into a true classic. Sacrilege. The idea of showing the wing structure doesnt go. This memorial is to show the aircraft in its aesthetic glory rather than reveal it's construction. It simply should be put in RAF markings, in a banking position, revealing at best the true piece of art a Spitfire is, with a statue underneath of one of the brave fighter pilots who flew them.
Male, age 39
dave, millbrook says...
10:00am Sun 25 Nov 07
princey boy wrote:I don't know about the Spitfire saving the world.I think you'll find it was the Red Army that destroyed the Nazis.Britain played a big part as did a lot of other countries but it was the Russians who finished of Hitler!
This is a brilliant idea,and anyone who knocks should remember if it was not for the spitfire, they would not be here now. The SPITFIRE saved the world. We have something to be proud of,but l guess that have the people who have posted on this subject are here not because they were born here,they have had to move here just to earn a living. I am born and bred a Sotonian and l am proud of that fact,as l am proud of the greatest invention of all time. So if you dont like it,find another job.
Southampton Born & Bred, Devon says...
10:49am Sun 25 Nov 07
Denzil, Romsey says...
11:11am Sun 25 Nov 07
Andy P wrote:I was taking the pi$$. But as you come from Millbrook I wouldn't expect you to understand.
Denzil wrote: How about an ice rink?Denzil if you want an ice rink,put one in that sad little village where you live. We dont want little village idiots like you coming into our city, prancing and dancing on blocks of ice for goodness sake. And show some respect for the city that saved the world. Now go and fiddle with your pony,village boy!
wontee, soton says...
12:48pm Sun 25 Nov 07
The Spitfire IS linked to Southampton (Via Eastleigh), but the fact is, the Spitfire name conjures up images of dogfights along the South east coast, and Biggin Hill. NOT Southampton !!
What really urinates me off are the hysterical claims that Southampton and the Spitfire saved the World.
One word - Bullshit.
ex-pat Pat, San Fransisco says...
1:28pm Sun 25 Nov 07
King Mush, Woolston says...
1:44pm Sun 25 Nov 07
wontee wrote:I concede that Spitfires were indeed built at Castle Bromwich in Birmingham. They have a model on the main roundabout near the old site.
King Mush, Ever heard of Castle Brom. That's where most Spitfires were built ! And if Soton is as famous and glorious as the Echo tells us, why does it need a wow factor ?
I really should have defined that Reg Mitchell (Potteries born) DEVELOPED this magnificent craft right here on the shore of the Itchen.
To be fair, I think that the whole idea is a little overblown amnd overhyped. It's like the poor footy saps that keep banging on about the 1966 FA Cup Final. Faded glory.
Soton hasnt really got the so-called WOW factor but we are proud of its history and heritage. Searching for the Holy Grail of a WOW factor seems a lost cause.
As we are council led - what's the point of running round like headless chickens?
MrBlueSky, Somerset says...
2:17pm Sun 25 Nov 07
Southampton now has a chance to really put her self on the map Not only for the people of Southampton, but also to the memory of the people who fought in the Second World War and the R.A.F. legend, the Spitfire.
The Spitfire and the pilots that flew her were the major piece in the beginning of the end of Nazism in Europe
So, how do the Spitfire Tribute Foundation envisage this monument, built to undoubtedly one of the greatest aircraft of all time By sticking one on its tail in the earth like a kid might stick a toy that has lost its owners interest
It should be of one in its natural habitat, namely flying, slightly banking, high above the earth in polished gleaming stainless steel, with three great supports radiating out from under the fuselage, down toward three ground monuments; one for R.J.Mitchell, the second to Roll-Royce and the Merlin and the third to the Battle of Britain and the Men & Women who served
Now that is a monument
One made by those fortunate to be able to pay tribute to all those that fell so long ago to keep the wolves at bay from our doors...
If it is built, what Mark of Spitfire should be made...
linzy, HAVANT says...
2:34pm Sun 25 Nov 07
King Mush, Woolston says...
2:53pm Sun 25 Nov 07
Trouble is these days - we might end up with the likes of Damien Hurst or Tracey Emin being bunged a few hundred grand to knock out a 'modern piece of art'
A broken up Spitfire with body parts sticking out of every crevice as an 'anti-War' protest?
War should never be celebrated but those that stood up for us in DEFENCE should never be forgotten.
The Spitfire is a major symbol of our ancestors' sacrifices apart from being a superbly designed aircraft that has its roots right here.
Thom, millbrook says...
5:30pm Sun 25 Nov 07
come up with a better idea of a "wow" factor please, just dont copy other citys.
Thom
Thom, says...
5:45pm Sun 25 Nov 07
and if you do go ahead with the spitfire i'll go in the park and make HUGE pair of boobies out of paper mash .... i think more people would come to see that and it'll cost about a tener to knock up haha
Thom
kayliegh w., lordshill says...
5:53pm Sun 25 Nov 07
Logic.
M Perry, Southampton says...
10:09pm Sun 25 Nov 07
Surely they are far more sensible ways to spend this money rather than wallowing in the past!
Robert, says...
7:00am Mon 26 Nov 07
We need to cover the sky-line with life-size nude figures of Tracey Emin. Let's have a few on local beaches as well.
You can't get more trendy than that!
Mark Andrew, Halifax, Yorkshire says...
9:28am Mon 26 Nov 07
I will now suggest to the authorities here in Yorkshire that we could have ' The Hurricane of The North '
Mark Andrew
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sheila, southampton says...
11:05am Sat 24 Nov 07