Work starts on Brierley Hill Round Oak Steelworks memorial

The 14-foot-high memorial has been designed by Dudley borough artist Steve Field, from Stourbridge.

It will take the form of a ladle suspended in the air pouring molten metal, and will go up on green space at the junction of Dudley Road and John Street in the town.

The steelworks, built on more than 100 acres of land, was a major employer in the town for nearly 130 years between 1857 and 1982.

The main parts of the structure were craned onto site last week by fabricator Vince Thompson, of Iconoclast Constructs.

Stainless steel sheeting is to be added this month to represent the pouring of molten metal, while a footpath around the sculpture will also be created.

Council bosses are aiming for a formal unveiling in December to mark the 42nd anniversary of the closure of the steelworks in 1982.

Cllr Paul Bradley and fabricator Vince Thompson at the monument site in Brierley Hill (Image: Dudley Council)

Amblecote councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of Dudley Council, said: “The Round Oak Steelworks are an important part of Brierley Hill’s history, having employed so many in the town over such a long period of time.

“It is great to see the main components of the monument in place. The detail on it - and on the ladle in particular - shows Black Country craftsmanship at its best.

“The monument will sit on a gateway entrance into Brierley Hill and will be a great addition to the town.

“It will also act as a meeting point for local people, including former steelworkers or their relatives, to reflect and remember Round Oak.”

Brierley Hill councillor Adam Davies said: "Towns all over the country have monuments to the industries and workers that made them, but for too long Brierley Hill has been without an official monument to remember Round Oak Steelworks and the tens of thousands of local people who worked there."

"This monument will finally put that right and I hope as many former Round Oak workers as possible will be able to come along for the official unveiling once a date is set."

The structure will be made from the same material used in the iconic Angel of the North statue in the north-east.