Ebbw Vale in Gwent is being regenerated in order to improve and develop an area of the former Ebbw Vale Steelworks site.
The Works is the new vision for the future of Ebbw Vale and Blaenau Gwent. The regeneration of the site will create a vibrant and distinctive development that will produce long term benefits for the area, creating an exciting place to live, learn work and play. It will link into the existing fabric of the town and important landmarks.
The project is being led by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council who has undertaken public consultation exercises in order to finalise the plans.
Councillor Brian Scully, Executive Member for Regeneration at Blaenau Gwent Council, said:
“Blaenau Gwent Council recognises the need to obtain the views of local residents and members of the public as it continues with its strategy to regenerate the county and build more vibrant futures for our communities.
“This is an exciting time for Ebbw Vale town centre and those that live, work and shop here have the opportunity to be a part of that.”
The improvements include a new Learning Campus, Local General Hospital, Leisure Centre and Sports Pitches, a Theatre, an Environmental Resource Centre, high quality offices and around 500 homes.
Some areas will be predominantly residential with local amenities such as a corner shop and smaller business units.
The Grade II* listed General Office building is one of the only buildings left from the former steelworks.
A £1.3 million contract to restore the roof was completed in summer 2008 and work to refurbish the rest of the building was completed in 2010.
The windows and exterior brick work were refurbished and the interior was improved and installed with state-of-the-art technology. The building was nominated for a RICS Wales award (Royal Institute for Chartered Surveyors) in the Conservation Building of the Year category.
The offices are set to become a visitor attraction. Gwent Record Office, one of the largest archives in Wales, is to relocate to The General Office, where its collection will form the cornerstone a new £12 million family history and genealogy visitor centre. The Ebbw Vale Works Archival Trust will also be relocating to the offices.
The Learning Zone (TLZ) has benefited from £35 million of funding from the Strategic Capital Investment Fund (SCIF) as well as an additional £48.9 million which was announced by the Education Minister.
The interior of TLZ has constructed with sustainably sourced materials and innovative and flexible furniture. Facilities include excellent IT amenities and secure entry systems.
Celtic Technologies Ltd
Celtic Technologies Ltd is a leading Specialist Remediation Contractor with a proven track record over 20 years of delivering cost effective remediation schemes. They provide a complete solution that turns contaminated land into sites ready for development.
Stephen Kidley, Operations Manager at Celtic Technologies Ltd said:
“At Ebbw Vale, Celtic is undertaking ex-situ bio-remediation and groundwater treatment works on an estimated 10,000m3 of hydrocarbon impacted soils. This project is being undertaken on behalf of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council in order to improve and develop an area of the Former Ebbw Vale Steelworks site.
“As one of the longest standing and most experienced brownfield remediation contractors in the UK, Celtic has direct experience of a wide range of solutions for contaminated land.
“Our approach is to develop pragmatic solutions, using innovative technologies and innovative techniques where appropriate, focusing on onsite reuse of material while minimising cost and programme.”
