THE MASTERPLAN to transform the former steelworks site at Ebbw Vale was presented to Assembly ministers last week.

A team led by council leader John Hopkins unfolded the plans for the site for economic development minister Andrew Davies, education minister Jane Davidson and health and social services minister Jane Hutt.

Corus and the WDA also attended to show their support.

According to Blaenau Gwent council: "The idea is to deliver sustainable benefits to the community and inject a new spirit of confidence in the future."

Key projects include the Learning Campus, a community hospital and a passenger rail service from Ebbw Vale to Cardiff and Newport.

The multi-million pound Learning Campus is a flagship development for which 50 acres of land will be required at the northern end of the site.

It will provide opportunities for university level provision as well as post 16 education at all levels and for all ages.

Public transport will feature prominently with an integrated transport network encouraging walking and cycling for local journeys.

Blaenau Gwent chief executive Robin Morrison said: "The Masterplan will be underpinned by the production of a wider strategic plan for the whole of Ebbw Vale which will itself link into a regeneration plan for the whole of Blaenau Gwent."

The Ebbw Vale site has a number of basement structures, some up to 27m deep, and the consultants have been seeking innovative uses for these rather than adopting a traditional site clearance approach.

Hamish Munro, WDA area development manager, said: "This is one of the most imaginative masterplans in Wales and offers huge opportunities for the people of Blaenau Gwent.

"I think we all feel privileged to be working on the creation of a 21st century Ebbw Vale."