A couple have offered to fund the building a large statue of a surfer as a “gift” for the town of Newquay.
Stuart and Cherrilyn Keogh, who run their own charity, have offered the statue for placement on the Killacourt green space in the town, as part of an upgrade of the area.
The statue would be close to five metres tall, and made by a “highly respected” bronze foundry who produced works which now reside in the grounds of Parliament.
Mr Keogh says he and his wife spent many decades in the surfing industry, and want to give something back to a town they both love.
“The statue is to celebrate the important surfing heritage of Newquay and would be placed in the Killacourt area as part of the regeneration of the Killacourt,” Mr Keogh said.
“It is expected to be ready for spring 2021 and will be one of only four in the world. The other three are in Australia Honolulu and the United States.
“This statue will be of national and international importance and will attract media attention and many visitors, and it’s all good for local business.
“The Killacourt offers the public a safe and easily accessible open space, it is also the only suitable land that is in the ownership of Newquay Town Council and it is the most fitting location.”
The statue will stand at 4.72 to 4.88 metres, although there is flexibility in the finished height, Mr Keogh said.
It is hoped the stainless steel base will be made by a local company, while the bronze sculpture would be made by a bronze foundry.
Mr Keogh added: “This surf statue will mark the importance of surfing in the UK and will become a place of pilgrimage to the surfing community.
“Many others will want to visit and have their photos taken with the statue, so it will become a real magnet to people who visit Newquay.
“Newquay’s surfing heritage should be recognised, and that is the purpose of this statue to give the future generations of Newquay a visual reminder of the importance that surfing has had on their town, so that it is not lost in the passage of time. This is Newquay’s heritage and must not be forgotten.”
The building of the statue will be proposed to Newquay Town Council at a meeting on November 6.
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