**Uncertain Future for Fountain in Port Talbot Creates Speculation**
An intriguing piece of history in Port Talbot, Wales, holds a fountain that was only ever switched on once due to a mischievous act by children. The fountain, a sculpture presented to the local council by British Steel PLC in the 1980s, has remained inactive ever since the incident. The sculpture, located in Port Talbot’s Civic Square, was meant to be a water feature but was promptly turned off after children from a local school mischievously filled it with washing-up liquid.
Plans for the regeneration of the area surrounding the Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbot have led to discussions about the future of this unique sculpture. The transformational project, approved by the local council in December 2024, involves a £15 million renovation to revitalize the space between the civic offices and the Aberafan shopping centre, as well as improvements to the theatre itself, which seats 798 people.
Councillor Dennis Keogh of Margam and Taibach raised the question during the planning meeting about the fate of the sculpture once the regeneration project is completed. The striking silver sculpture, unveiled by Princess Anne in 1989, is designed based on an astrolabe, symbolizing the world, along with a model ship representing the town’s port activities. Made of Welsh steel and coal products, the sculpture was intended to showcase Port Talbot’s industrial heritage.
Despite its initial purpose as a water feature, the sculpture has not functioned as such since the incident with the children. Councillor Keogh suggested the possibility of refurbishing the sculpture and relocating it to Margam Park or Aberavon seafront. Council officers responded by indicating that they would pass on the feedback to the planning team and consider either moving the sculpture to another location of local interest or incorporating it into the current regeneration project.
The rich history and symbolic significance of the sculpture make it a valuable piece of Port Talbot’s heritage. Its transformation from a functional fountain to a decorative sculpture adds to its mystique and the ongoing debate over its future location. As plans progress for the regeneration project around the Princess Royal Theatre and Civic Square, the decision regarding the sculpture’s fate remains uncertain.
The combination of industrial history, artistic design, and community nostalgia woven into this sculpture creates a compelling narrative that captures the essence of Port Talbot’s identity. Whether it finds a new home at a different location or remains a focal point in the regenerated area, the sculpture’s story continues to intrigue residents and visitors alike.
In the evolving landscape of Port Talbot’s civic spaces, the fate of the fountain sculpture serves as a reminder of the town’s past and a symbol of its potential for transformation and renewal. As discussions unfold and decisions are made, the sculpture’s future will reflect not only its own history but also the vision for Port Talbot’s vibrant future.