STUDIES into the final design, scale and cost of Southampton’s tribute to the Spitfire have been launched.

Two feasibility studies costing a combined £38,000 will be conducted over the next six weeks by consultants who will report back to the Spitfire Tribute Foundation.

It is a major step forward for the Daily Echo’s long running campaign to finally honour the men and women who built and flew the legendary Second World War fighter plane.

As revealed by the Echo late last year, the enormous stainless steel structure will rise up at the end of Town Quay after being given the green light by Associated British Ports.

Towering 180ft into the skyline, it has received backing from Prime Minister Gordon Brown and has been described as Southampton’s equivalent to the Statue of Liberty.

Bristol-based quantity surveyors Cyril Sweet Ltd and structural engineers SKM Anthony Hunts, based in Cirencester, were this appointed to conduct the feasibility work.

The reports are being paid for out of the £70,000 of taxpayer’s money allocated by Southampton City Council towards the landmark project.

The city’s leisure boss Councillor John Hannides, who is also chairman of the foundation, said: “This phase of work is important because it means we will have a precise knowledge of the costings, viability and of the structure itself in terms of engineering.”

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“By undertaking this level of work we will be in a strong position to begin the final phase which is the most important – fundraising.”

An international fundraising drive will be launched later this to raise the remaining estimated £1.5m so Southampton taxpayers’ will not be charged.

The foundation has so far raised £30,000 from sponsors on top of the cash committed by the council.

Standing 25ft taller than the Civic Centre clock tower, lights projected at night on to the sculpture will illuminate the Spitfire in its numerous battle liveries.