Trafalgar Square plinth plan for giant French blue cockerel approved

 
Big cockerel: a design for the statue, and how it would look in situ
Conor Sheils8 May 2013

Plans to put a giant blue French cockerel in the heart of London have been approved by planning chiefs.

The 4.7metre high statue is set to stand on Trafalgar Square’s fourth plinth just inches from British war hero Lord Nelson.

The controversial project designed by German artist Katharina Fritsch and backed by the Greater London Authority was given the go-ahead in Westminster City Hall last night (Tues).

Today the Mayor of London Boris Johnson welcomed the ‘giant blue bird’ to the capital.

He said: “This is great news. As a platform for contemporary art, the Fourth Plinth has etched itself into the consciousness of people from across the world. It’s position in Trafalgar Square encapsulates the collision of heritage and the cutting edge that make London such a dynamic and creative city.

“Katharina Fritsch commands tremendous respect internationally and her giant blue bird will provide a striking new focal as well as talking point for Londoners and tourists alike.”

Meanwhile St James ward councillor Louise Hyams joked that the 18-month stint could provide the capital with a cross-channel tourism boom as patriotic French visitors scramble to catch a glimpse of the cockerel.

The project had previously provoked anger amongst campaigners including the Thorney Island Society which branded the project “totally inappropriate, however fanciful and dramatic it might appear to be”.

The art work is due to unveiled in July and is replace the bronze rocking horse which currently occupies the platform.

The fourth plinth was first unveiled seven years ago as a platform for unconventional and his since attracted more than 1,500 applicants.

Westminster City Council’s Chairman of Planning and development Cllr Alastair Moss said: "I think art is supposed to cause debate and discussion and the electric blue cockerel will bring colour to Trafalgar Square."

“Over the years the fourth plinth has become famous for its eclectic offerings, many of which have brought more visitors to the area and that can only be of benefit for the London economy as a whole."

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