Oakdale History

This strategic site was formerly the location of the Oakdale Colliery, employing almost 2,000 people in its heyday. After 81 years in operation, and a declining coal industry in Wales, the colliery closed in 1989. The visionary local authority recognised the potential for developing a prime site that would, once again impact on the regional economy and the 400 acre site was acquired.

The transformation of this former colliery site has resulted in a high quality business park and the council wishes to highlight the quality of investment for the future with a commemorative feature that will also act as a tribute to the past.

Local schoolchildren and residents in Oakdale selected the winning design by local artist, Steve Welchman, called 'Turn, Turn Again'.

The design uses an old winding wheel (or sheeve) cut into 3 parts to represent the 3 shafts of the former Oakdale Colliery. The artwork has been constructed at the lower entrance to Oakdale Business Park, adjacent to Plateau 4 and creates a dramatic feature at the lower end of the Business Park.