Plan to replace clock and statues on the Congress Theatre’s south wall has been dropped after local opposition.
Plan to replace clock and statues on the Congress Theatre’s south wall has been dropped after local opposition.
Cwmbran Congress Theatre Clock and Statues Plan Withdrawn
The screen could show ads and sports events. It would replace the clock and statues named “Dai” and “Myfanwy.” These statues are currently on the Congress Theatre’s south wall.
Over 760 people commented on the plan, with only 22 expressing approval. Alan Slade, a local councillor, worries officers might approve it and believes the planning committee should decide.
Slade feels it’s very important, prompting his objection. He is on the planning committee but cannot vote since he’s shared his view.
Slade also contacted Cadw, which protects Welsh historic buildings. The Congress Theatre is on Cadw’s list, which specifically mentions the clock and statues.
The clock and statues were installed in 1982. They aimed to soften the building’s “Brutalist” style, built by the Cwmbran Development Corporation.
The theatre’s original concrete design was updated in 1982 with stucco, Welsh-clothed statues, and a clock and chimes intended to brighten the square.
Slade hopes to fix the clock and statues. They used to rotate, he said, expressing his wish to restore them if the screen plan fails and restoration becomes possible.
Another councillor, Jason O’Connell, agrees. He generally likes modernizing the center and welcomes the investment, but acknowledges the statues matter to Cwmbran residents.
O’Connell wondered if they could move the statues, suggesting a new location elsewhere in the shopping center to provide them with a good new home.
They contacted Smart Outdoor, the company behind the screen idea located near Gateshead, to inquire about the plan’s current status.
The screen could show ads and sports events. It would replace the clock and statues named “Dai” and “Myfanwy.” These statues are currently on the Congress Theatre’s south wall.
Over 760 people commented on the plan, with only 22 expressing approval. Alan Slade, a local councillor, worries officers might approve it and believes the planning committee should decide.
Slade feels it’s very important, prompting his objection. He is on the planning committee but cannot vote since he’s shared his view.
Slade also contacted Cadw, which protects Welsh historic buildings. The Congress Theatre is on Cadw’s list, which specifically mentions the clock and statues.
The clock and statues were installed in 1982. They aimed to soften the building’s “Brutalist” style, built by the Cwmbran Development Corporation.
The theatre’s original concrete design was updated in 1982 with stucco, Welsh-clothed statues, and a clock and chimes intended to brighten the square.
Slade hopes to fix the clock and statues. They used to rotate, he said, expressing his wish to restore them if the screen plan fails and restoration becomes possible.
Another councillor, Jason O’Connell, agrees. He generally likes modernizing the center and welcomes the investment, but acknowledges the statues matter to Cwmbran residents.
O’Connell wondered if they could move the statues, suggesting a new location elsewhere in the shopping center to provide them with a good new home.
They contacted Smart Outdoor, the company behind the screen idea located near Gateshead, to inquire about the plan’s current status.