Monster project brings dinosaur to Southsea Common
A monster project is under way to bring a life-size dinosaur to Southsea Common.
A team of Serbian ex-car workers are in a race against time to create a replica of the ultrasaurus - once thought to be the largest dinosaur ever to have lived.
The 53ft tall and 72ft long beast is coming to Southsea next month as part of an art project.
Named Luna Park, the huge grey dinosaur, with a steel skeleton and hard polyester shell, will be transported in six pieces almost 2,000 miles by ship and lorry to Southsea, where three members of the team will construct it on the Common.
It will be visible from the Isle of Wight and is hoped to attract thousands of visitors.
The 100,000 project has been organised by Gunwharf Quays-based art charity Aspex, with Arts Council and EU cultural tourism funding.
It will be unfenced, allowing visitors old and young to feel the statue as it towers over them.
Aspex director Joanne Bushnell said: 'It's an impressive statue. 'It'll bring large numbers of people.
'It's an art project which invites people to think about space.
'Because it's so out of place and out of time, we hope people will come along, enjoy the dinosaur and also think about the Common, the seafront and Portsmouth.'
The dinosaur was due to be unveiled between the War Memorial and Southsea Hoverport on July 10 but has been delayed until July 24.
On July 10, however, the project will invite young people to the Common from 1pm, and will show One of Our Dinosaurs Is Missing at Aspex's Gunwharf Quays office later in the afternoon.
The statue will be on the Common until the end of September.
It was designed by artists Heather and Ivan Morison, and will include picnic and barbecue facilities.
Portsmouth City Council's cabinet member for culture Councillor Lee Hunt said: 'We're delighted to have it. There'll be dino burgers on sale. It'll be the centre of an arts programme, linking to Conan Doyle's The Lost World. It will be enjoyed by everyone.'
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Friday 25 May 2012
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