IT’S out with the old and in with the new for Guildhall Square.

The iconic square in Southampton city centre could be renamed Elizabeth Square in memory of our late Queen Elizabeth II.

But the potential changes don’t stop there.

Plans to erect a statue of Her Majesty in the square are also being discussed.

The motion was put forward by Cllr David Fuller and will be debated at the full council meeting of Wednesday, November 16.

READ MORE: The times the Queen visited Southampton during her reign

'A fitting tribute' 

Speaking on his idea, Cllr Fuller said: “This year we had the sad loss of our late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, an individual whom I think was a constant throughout everyone’s lives in the country and provided a figurehead of authority.

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“It’s only right and proper that we, as a city, pay tribute to her life.

“I think the renaming of Guildhall Square will be a poignant and marked memorial.”

He added: “I think it would be a fitting tribute to Her Majesty from the people of Southampton.”

Plans to coincide with the coronation 

If approved, a formal process to rename the Square will get underway, with hopes it would coincide with the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023.

Cllr Fuller said: “If the council does support this, we would need to look at the formal renaming process, costings, artists to commission, and more.

“But if the renaming is approved there’s no reason why we can’t do it during the coronation next May.”

READ MORE: Southampton pays tribute to Her Majesty

The funding for the statue of Queen Elizabeth II would be generated through fundraising efforts and is something Cllr Fuller hopes the public will rally behind.

He said: “Southampton as a city is very supportive of the monarchy and the great work it has done.

“I like to think people will get behind this.”

'We should consider all ideas'

The leader of Southampton City Council said it is "right and proper" to celebrate the late Queen's reign.

However, residents need to be involved so they can have a say on how to do this.

Commenting on Cllr Fuller's motion, Cllr Satvir Kaur said: “It was incredibly moving to see Southampton come together to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II a few months ago. She was a remarkable public servant and it is absolutely right and proper that we mark her reign with a fitting tribute. 

“Just as our city came together to celebrate her life, we want to ensure that local communities can be equally involved in how Southampton commemorates our longest serving monarch.

“We're keen this is a collective and unifying process, not limiting ourselves to one option. There are different places for example that we can be renamed and we should consider all ideas.”

  • What do you make of the plans? Email your views to newsdesk@dailyecho.co.uk

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