Plans unveiled to replace Poole's Falklands War memorial

Falkland Square has been home to a commemorative plaque for more than a decade.

Ahead of the landmark anniversary in June, Legal & General is seeking permission to deliver an improved public art piece.

A statement submitted by Savills on behalf of Legal & General, who own the Dolphin Shopping Centre, said: "The proposed monument will pay tribute to the heritage of Poole, recognising the town’s links to the Royal Marines and Special Boat Service.

"It will also serve to aid remembrance and pay tribute to those who lost their lives, were injured or participated in the conflict.

"It utilises stone from the Falkland Islands, fashioned into an obelisk, with the crests of the local units involved in the conflict prominently displayed."

Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands on April 2, 1982, sparking three months of fighting, which cost the lives of 255 British servicemen.

• Read more: Events planned to mark 40th anniversary of Falklands War

The existing memorial at Falkland Square

The Royal Navy, Royal Marines and the Poole-based Special Boat Service played a key role in recapturing the South Atlantic islands – 7,000 miles south of the UK, with the war coming to an end on June 14, 1982. The Royal Marines received the freedom of the town the following year.

Ahead of the 25th anniversary in 2007, councillors agreed that the paved square in the heart of Poole should be named Falkland Square as a memorial to the locally-based Royal Marines who died in the war.

The statement from Savills said the replacement of the existing memorial would promote discussion of Poole's role in the conflict rather than removing or obscuring Poole's heritage.

"The existing memorial consists of a small metallic plaque set within a small rock," the statement said.

"The proposed replacement memorial would add more meaning and symbolism to the existing offering, helping to promote the heritage of the town and area.

"This is because it would display the units involved in the war and utilise rock from the Falkland Islands.

"Further, the proposed replacement would commemorate the 40th anniversary of the conflict, promoting learning and reflection about the conflict and its role in Poole’s history."

The application is currently being considered by BCP Council's planning department.

A spokesperson for Legal & General told the Daily Echo: “Designed in collaboration with the Royal Marines, the proposal is for an improved monument to be installed to commemorate the British forces who served in the Falklands War.

"There will be a particular focus on the four services based in Poole, who played such a crucial role in the war (the Royal Navy, Combined Operations, Royal Marines and the Royal Artillery Corps).”