BRITAIN’S tourism bosses believe the Spitfire tribute proposed to rise up at Southampton’s Town Quay has the potential to become a major international tourist drawcard.

VisitBritain yesterday likened the 180ft stainless steel structure to other famous national landmarks such as Tyneside’s Angel of the North and Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower.

It’s the latest boost to the Daily Echo campaign to honour the Spitfire and men and women of Southampton who built and flew it.

Port bosses have given the go ahead for the wire-mesh Sptifire – three times the size of the legendary fighter plane – to take pride of place at the end of Town Quay.

It’s estimated the memorial will cost about £1.5m and the city’s heritage champions are now planning to launch a huge international fundraising drive.

“The proposal could present a potential boom for tourism in the area,” VisitBritain spokesman Sian Brenchley said.

“Landmarks such as the Angel of the North and Spinnaker tower have created further demand from both domestic and international tourists alike.

“As with any art or sculptures in Britain, it definitely has the potential to become a national talking point.”

VisitBritain’s support comes after developers drawing up a new vision for the future of Southampton’s waterfront said the Spitfire would be an integral part of their masterplan.

Designed by renowned British sculptor Kenneth Potts, the wire-mesh styled Spitfire will be held aloft by three pylons.

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

However, the plans have received a mixed reaction from Southampton residents, with some calling for it to include a viewing platform.

Southampton Solent University tourism lecturer Bryn Parry said: “Some cities have shied away from monuments that focus too much on their past, as this can affect how investors rate the potential of those cities.

“Nottingham finding itself at the centre of such a debate, with its focus on Robin Hood. The design of the Spitfire, though, has always been seen as iconic and reflects well upon Southampton.”