Ebbw Vale public realm works – ‘Echoes’ timepiece and seating area

Ebbw Vale town centre’s public realm regeneration is almost complete with the installation of the 11 metre high stainless steel timepiece and seating area.

Two cranes and a hydraulic hoist platform were used to lift the clock arm and face into position in a two day operation.

The timepiece immediately became a talking point – with all sorts of opinions on the design by artist Marianne Forrest who worked with local school children and in consultation with town centre businesses. 

The public realm regeneration was commissioned in 2002 following the Ebbw Vale steelworks closure. The Welsh Assembly Government approved the final phase – including the timepiece design - on 14 February 2008. £1.167m was awarded in grants.

The work, carried out by Blaenau Gwent Council, included new carriageways, pedestrian areas, lighting and street furniture in both James Street and Market Street - and the design of the timepiece and the public area around it.