Construction crews have broken ground on what promises to be one of Britain's most striking religious landmarks - a colossal eagle sculpture that will soar 169 feet above the Birmingham landscape. Dubbed 'The Eternal Eagle', this monumental undertaking will dramatically reshape the skyline near the M6 motorway in Sutton Coldfield.
The ambitious project, which has received full planning permission, will see the creation of a Christian symbol of staggering proportions. When complete, it will stand at twice the height of Antony Gormley's iconic Angel of the North, immediately establishing itself as one of the United Kingdom's tallest and most visually arresting public artworks.
A Vision Takes Flight
Conceived by the Christian charity The Eternal Wall of the Answered Prayer, the eagle represents a powerful symbol of strength and divinity within Christian tradition. The structure will be constructed from 1.4 million tiles, each representing an individual answered prayer submitted by Christians across the nation.
Project leaders envision the monument serving as both a spiritual beacon and a major tourist attraction, potentially drawing visitors from around the world to the West Midlands region.
Engineering Marvel in the Making
The technical specifications of The Eternal Eagle are equally impressive. The sculpture will:
- Rise to 169 feet (51.5 metres) - taller than Nelson's Column
- Feature a wingspan measuring 65 metres across
- Be visible from up to six miles away
- Require 1.4 million individual tiles for completion
Construction is expected to span several years, with the project team coordinating closely with local authorities and transport networks to minimise disruption during the building phase.
Spiritual and Economic Impact
Beyond its religious significance, The Eternal Eagle is projected to generate substantial economic benefits for the Birmingham area. Tourism officials anticipate the monument will attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, providing a significant boost to local hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
The project has already generated considerable discussion within the community, with many residents expressing excitement about hosting what could become an iconic British landmark on par with other national monuments.
As construction progresses over the coming months, the silhouette of this magnificent eagle will gradually emerge against the Midlands sky, promising to become a defining feature of the region's identity for generations to come.
