News
Turley appointed on new Centre for Alternative Technology multi-million-pound project development phase
Our Business Cases & Funding and Strategic Communications teams have been appointed by The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) on its ambitious masterplan which aims to create a world-class visitor experience at the Mid-Wales eco centre. We will be working with consortium-lead Faithful & Gould and internationally-renowned architect firm, Haworth Tompkins on the project.
Supported by funding from the UK Community Renewal Fund, CAT will now undertake extensive research and consultation with local people, businesses, partners, and stakeholders to help develop a robust business case that will underpin the case for both public and private sector investment. The proposal is amongst the initial Portfolio for the Mid Wales Growth Deal, and the business case will help set out the ask from the Growth Deal, alongside the private sector leverage that is anticipated in match funding, which will bring the plans to reality.
An environmental charity, eco centre and UK-leading provider of postgraduate environmental education, the proposed project will see the creation of new spaces for education in sustainable solutions; areas to deliver green skills for the future; and an immersive world-class tourism experience to inspire many more people to take action on environmental solutions.
Plans will be shaped by public consultation and research over the coming months — with the proposals focused on transforming CAT’s capacity to provide the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to achieve a zero-carbon future and sustainable society, while delivering a major contribution to the Mid Wales economy.
Interim Co-CEO at CAT, Eileen Kinsman, said:
“Haworth Tompkins not only have robust experience but, crucially, they have a deep understanding and appreciation for environmentally-driven projects — giving us every confidence that they’ll help to realise our vision.
“Meanwhile, our work with Turley and other consortium partners including Rural Office for Architecture and Vital Ecology, will bring a wealth of experience to the project and will play an important part in the development phase.
“Community consultation is at the heart of our plans, and we’re excited to move into this next stage of development with our new partners — creating opportunities for local people, businesses, members, students and stakeholders alike to have their say on the future of CAT to ensure that we are creating the best possible benefits for the people, environment and economy of Mid Wales.”
Senior Director, Andy Rumfitt added:
“We’re delighted to be able to continue our business case and consultation support for the £25 million expansion of the world renowned Centre for Alternative Technology. For more than 45 years CAT has been an inspirational test bed for eco-friendly ideas and technologies, and a centre of holistic sustainability thinking and learning. A key asset to Wales and the UK, it is now needed more than ever.”
There will be a series of community events taking place at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth and virtually in March and April — where there will be the opportunity to meet the project’s partners, hear about the plans, and share their views. To find out more about these events, to take part in a survey, and to stay up to date on the project developments, please visit the CAT website — cat.org.uk/futureplans.
8 March 2022