Decision due on Northumberland landmark ‘three times taller’ than Angel of the North

An artist is set to be chosen for plans to create a huge new monument and visitor attraction in Northumberland.

A month of exhibitions saw artists Simon Hitchens, Colin Rose and Peter J. Evans build proposals for a dramatic new public sculpture celebrating Queen Elizabeth II and the Commonwealth.

Lord Devonport of Northumberland, spearheading the project, will now select one artist to take the scheme forward.

The Elizabeth Landmark will aim to celebrate the unity, diversity and the shared heritage of The Commonwealth.

It will stand 60m high – three times taller than Anthony Gormley’s famous Angel of the North sculpture in Gateshead – and sit atop Cold Law, a domed hill on Lord Devonport’s Ray Estate.

Also included in the plans are a purpose-built car park, visitor information hub and walking trail.

Lord Devonport commented: “Our ambition is to create a long-lasting, proud monument that will draw visitors from around the world for many, many hundreds of years to come.

“To do this, we will need not only an investment of funds, but also of resource and expertise. We will work with the chosen artist to build a team and develop a plan for funding throughout 2018.”

He added: “All being well, we will bring The Elizabeth Landmark to life in 2019.”

The winning artist will be chosen in July.