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End of an era as Civic Centre, Ebbw Vale, is demolished

L-R: Dan Davies Contract Manager Pritchard’s Contractors, Councillor Helen Cunningham Executive Member for Place & Environment and Darren Richards Blaenau Gwent Council Project Manager.

It’s the end of an era as a former Blaenau Gwent Council office which housed hundreds of staff since it opened in 1960’s is in the process of being demolished.

Prichard’s Contractors have now started the demolition of the front part of the Civic Centre building, which housed the main reception and a Council Chamber which has seen many healthy political debates over the years. Overall it is expected that 97% of the building will be recycled.

Councillor Helen Cunningham, Executive Member for Place & Environment says:

“Many people will be familiar with the Civic Centre, so its demolition marks the end of a chapter in Blaenau Gwent Council’s history. As a Council, we had already moved to more agile working practices but the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated it. However, we remain committed to making sure our services are within easy reach. A wide range can be accessed on our website but for those who prefer to speak to someone face-to face, they can do that at one of our Community Hubs based in town centre libraries.”

Work on demolition is expected to be completed by the end of March 2023. The short section of access road off the A4046 (Tesco road) down into the Civic Centre area will be closed from Sunday evening (23rd October) for the duration of the works. Access to Bridge Street Health Centre and Ebbw Vale Job Centre Plus will be maintained at all times via the B4486 Cemetery Road.

The car park at the rear of the building (Western Terrace) will be fenced off, however a turning circle has been provided for motorists. The footpath from the underpass to Cemetery Road will be available at all times.