BUSINESS leaders in Southampton are being urged to get behind the city's commemorations of the tragic sinking of the Titanic which are due to take place in 2012.

City leisure bosses say that thousands of visitors who are due to visit London in 2012 to see the Olympics could also be enticed to visit Southampton to view Titanic-themed events - prompting a possible cash bonanza for local firms.

They say advertisements could be placed in London directing tourists visiting the capital for the Games to come to Southampton's newly-built heritage centre - due to be completed in time for the commemorations in April 2012.

City leisure chiefs say that the 100th anniversary of the tragedy - which claimed 1,500 lives when the giant liner sank in the north Atlantic - could generate thousands of pounds for the city's economy.

However, they have warned that the commemorations must be handled sensitively due to the impact of the sinking on the city which claimed the lives of more than 500 residents - mainly members of the ship's crew.

At a meeting of the council's leisure, culture and tourism standing scrutiny panel, members were told that plans were needed so that the city could sell itself to tourists visiting London for the Olympics due to take place in summer 2012.

And they urged an effort by the business community for the Titanic commemorations similar to that proposed for the run-up to the Olympics in 2012.

City council Cabinet member for tourism and leisure, Councillor Peter Wakeford told members of the committee that cities affected by the tragedy including Belfast, where the giant liner was built, and Liverpool, where it was registered, had already agreed informally to share their information and experience of the giant liner.

Other cities such as Halifax in Canada and New York where the tragic liner was bound for in 1912 were also being contacted so that commemorations could be co-ordinated between the cities.

He said: "We will share artefacts and mementoes. In many ways, we are leading with this along with Belfast."

He also revealed that the city had already shortlisted a possible Titanic champion - a well known figure who had a knowledge of shipping and who would promote the city's commemorations to the wider world.

He said: "You are looking at somebody who can present it in the public eye. It would be improper to mention names at present."

Earlier this week, the Daily Echo revealed how business leaders in Southampton have been urged to join forces to cash in on money generated by the Olympics.

Construction, catering, manufacturing, merchandising and creative industry firms could benefit from the business generated by the huge event.

The city is due to spend £30,000 on a "scoping study" to look into how Southampton can cash in on the Olympics.

Members of the city council's ruling Liberal Democrat cabinet are due to agree to spend the cash today.

Chairman of the scrutiny panel Councillor Derek Burke said that businesses also needed to work together to help make the most of the opportunities created by both events taking place in 2012.

He said: "If the momentum grows as a citywide event, people will buy into it. We need to involve all sectors of the city."

First published Monday 06 March 2006