Spitfire location revealed

The location for Southampton's Spitfire tribute has finally been announced.
The 50 metre Spitfire will rise up on disused land beside the historic Trafalgar dry dock.
The Spitfire was originally meant for the Town Quay but it was decided that the structure would be too heavy.
The monument will be seen from many vantage points in the city and will welcome cruise ship passengers as they dock in the city.
"It will be a magnificent backdrop for the waterfront and for the new Ocean Terminal.” Councillor Hannides said.
Southampton city council is also in talks with port bosses, ABP, about the possible reopening of dock gate 5 so that the public can get to the Spitfire by foot.
The project, which will cost in the region of £1.7million and is due for completion in 2011, is part of an historic regeneration scheme in Southampton.
As well as the Spitfire tribute there will be a restored tram system and historic vessels like tug tender Calshot.


Southampton has a fantastic heritage and its brilliant to see the council embracing this. Not many people realise the relationship between the Spitfire and Southampton, I lived there 18 years and only found out when plans for the tribute were announced a year or so ago, this is such a shame and the city should be proud of the association. It should also create more interest from prospective visitors. Southampton is well known for its part in the Titanic's maiden voyage and it will be good to see people down at the docks for something other than that for a change.