In 1981 the demolition of the former steelworks site was well underway. The demolition of the two commanding water towers at the Victoria End of the site was symbolic of the works' decline. Two ten-year-olds won a 'raffle' prize to ignite the charge to demolish the towers.

In 1983, a plan was put forward to give hope and regeneration to the Ebbw Vale area in a bid to stage the National Garden Festival of Wales in 1992.