Twisted Chimney

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Consultation has concluded

The artwork known as Simnai Dirdro (Twisted Chimney), is a site specific artwork by New York Artist, Brian Tolle, which was funded by Heads of the Valleys funding and was unveiled in 2011. The Twisted chimney stands 8 metres high at the north of the Rhymney Valley with the aim to create a vision of the post-industrial heritage rather than being a literal depiction of the area’s past. It is sited near the former Union Ironworks and on land that was once a railway line. It was created with input from the residents of Bute Town.

The sculpture was damaged in 2023 due to high winds in the area. The council initially removed the sections which were loose and have since removed some further sections to stop any further damage. The sculpture is currently in a state of disrepair and is being monitored for further damage. A temporary repair will be needed as soon as possible to make the sculpture safe, but this is not a long term solution.

Moving forward, there are two options:

1. Seek funding to replace/repair the structure to its former condition. 

If the structure is to be repaired/replaced we will look to utilise external funding that can be only used for this purpose. The estimated cost would be around £110,000 (based on a current estimate received). Supporting information here

2. Remove the sculpture 

This will be dismantled at a cost of £10,500 (based on a current estimate received).

The difference between the two options is approximately £99,500. Supporting information here

Why are we consulting?

To seek the views of local residents and stakeholders in the Rhymney area (from High Street to A465 to include Butetown who were involved in the original sculpture work) on the future of the Twisted Chimney sculpture.

This will help inform the decision whether to seek additional funding to replace the sculpture or not.

Ways to give your views

Paper copies of the survey and online survey will be available.

Paper copies will be placed in our Rhymney library.

Mae'r arolwg hwn ar gael yn Gymraeg. This survey is available in other languages and formats on request.

Drop in sessions:

  • Ael Y Bryn Community Centre, Aneurin Terrace, Rhymney, Tredegar NP22 5DR, Wednesday 14th February 11am–2pm
  • Rhymney Library, Victoria Road, Rhymney. NP22 5NU, Wednesday 21st February 10am–1pm

Residents who have any specific requirements such as access, hearing loop, require translation facilities or wish to use the Welsh language at any of the events are asked to contact the team at regenprojects@caerphilly.gov.uk.

Expected outcomes

The survey responses have been analysed and this is currently going through the decision making process. Discussions are ongoing, the report and a further update will be provided in due course.

Depending on outcomes of engagement further funding will be sought to either repair or remove the sculpture.

The artwork known as Simnai Dirdro (Twisted Chimney), is a site specific artwork by New York Artist, Brian Tolle, which was funded by Heads of the Valleys funding and was unveiled in 2011. The Twisted chimney stands 8 metres high at the north of the Rhymney Valley with the aim to create a vision of the post-industrial heritage rather than being a literal depiction of the area’s past. It is sited near the former Union Ironworks and on land that was once a railway line. It was created with input from the residents of Bute Town.

The sculpture was damaged in 2023 due to high winds in the area. The council initially removed the sections which were loose and have since removed some further sections to stop any further damage. The sculpture is currently in a state of disrepair and is being monitored for further damage. A temporary repair will be needed as soon as possible to make the sculpture safe, but this is not a long term solution.

Moving forward, there are two options:

1. Seek funding to replace/repair the structure to its former condition. 

If the structure is to be repaired/replaced we will look to utilise external funding that can be only used for this purpose. The estimated cost would be around £110,000 (based on a current estimate received). Supporting information here

2. Remove the sculpture 

This will be dismantled at a cost of £10,500 (based on a current estimate received).

The difference between the two options is approximately £99,500. Supporting information here

Why are we consulting?

To seek the views of local residents and stakeholders in the Rhymney area (from High Street to A465 to include Butetown who were involved in the original sculpture work) on the future of the Twisted Chimney sculpture.

This will help inform the decision whether to seek additional funding to replace the sculpture or not.

Ways to give your views

Paper copies of the survey and online survey will be available.

Paper copies will be placed in our Rhymney library.

Mae'r arolwg hwn ar gael yn Gymraeg. This survey is available in other languages and formats on request.

Drop in sessions:

  • Ael Y Bryn Community Centre, Aneurin Terrace, Rhymney, Tredegar NP22 5DR, Wednesday 14th February 11am–2pm
  • Rhymney Library, Victoria Road, Rhymney. NP22 5NU, Wednesday 21st February 10am–1pm

Residents who have any specific requirements such as access, hearing loop, require translation facilities or wish to use the Welsh language at any of the events are asked to contact the team at regenprojects@caerphilly.gov.uk.

Expected outcomes

The survey responses have been analysed and this is currently going through the decision making process. Discussions are ongoing, the report and a further update will be provided in due course.

Depending on outcomes of engagement further funding will be sought to either repair or remove the sculpture.