Local architect given green light to build 168ft national monument to Christianity

A NEW religious landmark is to be created by a New Forest architect who won a competition to build what will be one of the world’s largest monuments.

The gigantic Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer in Birmingham will be constructed from 1-million bricks and – at 168ft high – be taller than the Angel of the North.

The competition, won by Paul Bulkeley, founder of Totton-based Snug Architects, was run by the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Paul, from Lymington, said: “As I’ve been part of the journey, I’ve realised that this monument will not only be awe-inspiring as a piece of public art, but I’m also convinced it will be loved as an iconic landmark of hope communicating the value of prayer to the visual and interactive age in the 21st century.

“I am delighted to be part of such a ground-breaking Christian venture and look forward to seeing the design now become a reality.”

His concept of a gigantic Möbius strip – a surface which seemingly has no beginning or end – won top spot in an international field of 133 entries from 28 countries.

Visitors will be able to use an app and hold their mobile phones against the bricks on the wall to read the personal stories of prayers which were answered.

Prayers will be submitted by people from across the UK, and more than 300,000 visitors a year are expected to come to the wall to read them.

The leader of the project is Richard Gamble, former chaplain of Leicester City Football Club.

He said: “It’s been 16 years since the idea was first born. To finally receive the official consent is incredible.

“We are building a very special landmark and it is an amazing opportunity for the British people to leave a legacy of hope for future generations. Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer will make hope visible to the UK.

“The unique thing about the project is that it’s all about the community. It’s crowdfunded and a million people will come together to crowd-create this incredible piece of art with their stories of hope. What we're doing is historic.”

Construction is expected to being in spring next year and it is hoped the wall will be completed by autumn 2022.

To submit a pray for consideration for use on the wall visit www.eternalwall.org.uk/testimony