Sites for giant Spitfire memorial earmarked (From Daily Echo)

Sites for giant Spitfire memorial earmarked

12:29pm Tuesday 1st January 2008 in

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A SHORTLIST of three sites for Southampton's answer to the illustrious Angel of the North has been selected.

While the possible locations are being kept secret for now, planners say the monumental Spitfire sculpture will greet millions of visitors to the city each year.

Standing upright on its tail, the Spitfire of the South could stand up to 100ft tall and transform the city skyline.

Two of the identified locations are on the city's northern edge, while a third lies within Southampton City Council boundaries.

The chosen location will have to meet a set criteria that include maximum public visibility, a site of geographical prominence, a site with an extended sight line, a recognisable gateway feature and in close proximity to a major road network or junction.

While support for a memorial to the great Second World War fighter plane is growing, the ambitious design has received a mixed reaction from the public since it was unveiled a month ago.

The Spitfire Tribute Foundation - made up of business leaders, council, military and the media, and including the Echo - this week unanimously backed the initial concept.

The tribute to designer RJ Mitchell and his Spitfire would also include a visitor centre and observation area.

Funding for the metal structure will be sought from government bodies, private business sponsorship and public subscription, both in Britain and throughout the Commonwealth.

The council has already earmarked £70,000 to investigate the design, planning and feasibility.

However, no further taxpayers' money will be used to pay for construction.