A new project is under way at The Works, the regeneration of the former steelworks in Ebbw Vale.

Kier Western is on site at Blaenau Gwent Council's Regain project, one of just four ground-breaking European pilot schemes aiming to reduce the greenhouse effect through alternative industrial management.

Wales' minister for housing, regeneration and heritage, Huw Lewis, commented: “The Regain building is at the cutting edge of sustainable design. As one of only four in the whole of Europe, the project is a fantastic showcase for Wales and supports the Heads of the Valleys' credentials as Wales' first Low Carbon Zone. The project also supports the wider regeneration agenda at The Works, redeveloping industrial land and creating employment. I look forward to seeing the completed building.”


Kier Western's contract at Regain includes creating a special business incubator unit constructed specifically to explore and showcase environmentally friendly design. The single-storey, 450sq m building will house eight small business starter units and is intended to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating.

Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council, Cllr Des Hillman, said: "We are proud to lead the way with this sustainable exemplar. We are retaining the heritage of the area, while creating sustainable job and business opportunities."

(CD)