Steve Jones Sculpture Planned for Ebbw Vale Sports Centre

A new planning application has been submitted to erect a striking sculpture outside the Ebbw Vale Sports Centre, celebrating one of Blaenau Gwent’s most iconic athletes - marathon runner Steve Jones.

The proposal, submitted under reference P/2025/0208, details a public art installation designed by renowned artist Tim Ward and managed by Circling the Square, a creative consultancy specialising in public realm artwork.

If approved, the sculpture will be located outside the leisure facility on Lime Avenue, on The Works site.

Steve Jones, a native of Ebbw Vale, made headlines around the world in 1984 when he broke the world marathon record by winning the Chicago Marathon in a blistering time of 2:08:05. This achievement, among many others in his illustrious running career, will be commemorated in the proposed artwork.

The design features a dynamic, life-size silhouette of Steve Jones in full stride, wearing the number 10 – the same number he wore during his record-breaking run.

The figure, cut from 10mm marine-grade 316 stainless steel, stands an imposing 2.85 metres tall and 1.5 metres wide. It will be securely mounted into a locally sourced limestone boulder, creating a total structure height of 3.4 metres.

In addition to the striking outline of the runner, the sculpture includes an engraved fin that runs down the centre of the figure. Made from two 10mm steel plates back-to-back, this vertical feature will display bilingual text in Welsh and English, detailing Jones' career highlights and his significance to the local community.

To integrate the sculpture into the existing landscape, the design includes minor adjustments to the surrounding paving, which will be cut and relaid around the new base. The boulder itself measures approximately 900mm square by 550mm in height and will be set on a 100mm concrete sub-base to ensure stability.

The location outside the Sports Centre is a fitting choice, serving as a hub of local health and fitness activity and placing the tribute in clear view of visitors and residents alike.

An aerial photograph included in the proposal confirms that the sculpture will be situated in a highly visible position near the entrance.

The application, submitted in June 2025, is now under consideration by Blaenau Gwent Council. If granted approval, the installation would not only honour one of Wales' sporting greats but also serve as a lasting inspiration to current and future generations of athletes in the region.

While celebrating the achievement, it also enhances the visual landscape with a meaningful and artistically compelling piece of public art.

For more information or to follow the application's progress, residents can search on the Blaenau Gwent Council planning portal.