The charity previously had consent for a statue of the South African campaigner and politician to be erected in Nelson Mandela Place, though permission has now expired.

It is fundraising for the £150,000 budget and hopes the installation would be completed by early 2022.

“Nelson Mandela Place is the ideal site for the proposed location politically, historically and functionally,” the plans state.

“The Place has a long association with the struggle against Apartheid and Nelson Mandela, while its prominent location could activate this underused part of the city.”

An open competition will be held to select the sculptor.