Latest news with #CentreforAlternativeTechnology
Business News Wales
12 hours ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Phase 1 Investment Approved for CAT's Transformational Cynefin Project
The Mid Wales Growth Deal has taken another major step forward with the approval of funding for the first phase of the Cynefin project, led by the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) near Machynlleth. Growing Mid Wales (GMW) Board has approved support for detailed design and specification work to bring key elements of the 'transformational' project to the point of delivery. This includes: Significant remodelling and future-proofing of the WISE (Wales Institute for Sustainable Education) building Renovating the Quarry Cottages Significant upgrades to the Straw Bale Theatre Each element plays a critical role in strengthening CAT's educational and visitor offer. This phase will also consider site-wide regenerative strategies for energy, water, waste and infrastructure improvements. These early works form part of a wider plan to reimagine CAT as a world-class hub for sustainability, learning and community – enhancing its role as a catalyst for climate action and green innovation. CAT's Cynefin development project is a major new initiative designed to enhance its site, facilities and impact, creating a vibrant hub for learning, innovation and community rooted in Welsh culture and landscape. The project aims to support a just transition to a zero-carbon future through expanded access, collaboration, and place-based sustainability education. This initial investment is not just about physical upgrades but also about enabling a sustainable future. Enhancing learning environments, increasing accommodation capacity, and futureproofing infrastructure will help CAT attract more postgraduate students, host a wider range of visitors, and demonstrate climate leadership through its operations. The Cynefin project reflects the Mid Wales region's ambition to lead in green innovation. By creating a more immersive, inspiring and accessible experience for learners, tourists and changemakers, it will drive footfall and economic growth in the area, while also supporting vital work to tackle climate change. Eileen Kinsman, Co-CEO of the Centre for Alternative Technology, said: 'We are delighted to receive this support through the Mid Wales Growth Deal. It brings renewed confidence in our vision and enables us to begin significant upgrades to our unique WISE building. Cynefin is about imagining a zero-carbon future and building the networks, skills and spaces to help make it happen. This is a crucial step in ensuring CAT continues to inspire, educate, and lead the way on climate solutions – regionally and beyond.' Joint Chairs of the GMW Board, Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council and Councillor Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council said: 'This marks an important moment for Mid Wales. The Cynefin project is not only preserving a key regional asset but also enhancing our capacity to lead in low-carbon innovation, education, and sustainable tourism. We're proud to support this first step in what promises to be an exciting journey.' Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'With Welsh Government support, the Mid Wales Growth Deal is leading the way in developing solutions that benefit both people and planet, creating a more resilient regional economy and tackling our most pressing environmental challenges. The Cynefin project will not only deliver real benefits for our communities but also strengthen the region's green economy.' Dame Nia Griffith DBE MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, said: 'The UK Government is proud of our investment in the Mid Wales Growth Deal and in projects like Cynefin that support local jobs, education, and innovation. 'Our number one mission is to kickstart economic growth in every corner of Wales. This is another great example of how the Mid Wales Growth Deal is helping to deliver that mission and contribute to a sustainable future.' A phased approach means the project is being delivered in manageable stages, unlocking funding at key stages of development. As the project progresses, future phases will further enhance CAT's capacity to deliver immersive learning, support green skills development and welcome a wider community of visitors and changemakers.
Cambrian News
17 hours ago
- Business
- Cambrian News
Centre for Alternative Tech redevelopment set to begin as funding approved
The long-awaited redevelopment of the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is set to go ahead as funding has been approved. After years of jumping through funding hoops, CAT in Machynlleth has now been given the go-ahead for its first phase of redevelopment works to improve visitor services. The Mid Wales Growth Deal funding will enable the 'detailed design and specification work' for remodelling and future proofing the Wales Institute for Sustainable Education (WISE) building, renovating the Quarry Cottages and upgrading the Straw Bale Theatre. The WISE building is set to get significant remodelling and future-proofing ( Centre for Alternative Technology ) Eileen Kinsman, Co-CEO of the Centre for Alternative Technology, said: 'We are delighted to receive this support through the Mid Wales Growth Deal. 'It brings renewed confidence in our vision and enables us to begin significant upgrades to our unique WISE building. 'Cynefin [the name of the upgrade project] is about imagining a zero-carbon future and building the networks, skills and spaces to help make it happen. 'This is a crucial step in ensuring CAT continues to inspire, educate, and lead the way on climate solutions – regionally and beyond.' The Mid Wales Growth Deal funding has been discussed since 2019, however in late 2023, CAT, an environmental charity and learning institute, was forced to close to visitors due to financial constraints. The charity had originally estimated that Phase 1 of the works would start in spring 2023. This first phase is part of CAT's wider plans to reimagine the institution as a 'world-class hub for sustainability, learning and community, enhancing its role as a catalyst for climate action and green innovation'. CAT leaders have a vision to renew the look and feel of the learning centre to create fresh interest in the eco-centre ( Haworth Tompkins Ltd ) By enhancing its learning environments, expanding accommodation capacity and improving its site infrastructure, the charity aims to attract more postgraduate students, welcome a wider range of visitors and 'demonstrate climate leadership' through its operations. The end result is refurbished teaching and workshop spaces, new exhibition spaces, an expanded cafe, nature trails and a new welcome centre. Joint Chairs of the Growing Mid Wales Board, Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council and Councillor Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, said: 'This marks an important moment for Mid Wales. 'The Cynefin project is not only preserving a key regional asset but enhancing our capacity to lead in low-carbon innovation, education, and sustainable tourism. 'We're proud to support this first step in what promises to be an exciting journey.' One of the only new buildings in the plans will be the Forum, which will encourage a new events programme to the centre ( Haworth Tompkins Ltd/ CAT ) This is just one of the Mid Wales Growth Deal funded projects with £110 million on offer, which aims to collectively create over 1,100 new jobs by 2032, increasing the value of goods and services of Wales by up to £700 million by 2032. Dame Nia Griffith DBE MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, said: 'The UK Government is proud of our investment in the Mid Wales Growth Deal and in projects like Cynefin that support local jobs, education, and innovation. 'Our number one mission is to kickstart economic growth in every corner of Wales.
Powys County Times
18 hours ago
- Business
- Powys County Times
Centre for Alternative Technology upgrade cash approved
A world-leading eco centre in Powys has reached a major milestone after funding was approved to create a vibrant hub for learning, innovation and community, rooted in Welsh culture and landscape. The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) near Machynlleth will see significant remodelling and futureproofing of its WISE (Wales Institute for Sustainable Education) building, renovating the Quarry Cottages, and upgrades to the Straw Bale Theatre. The Growing Mid Wales (GMW) Board approved support on Wednesday (June 25) for detailed design and specification work to bring key elements of the project, called Cynefin, to delivery. The Mid Wales Growth Deal aims to create jobs and increase productivity through projects across Powys and Ceredigion with £110m investment from the UK and Welsh Governments. "These early works form part of a wider plan to reimagine CAT as a world-class hub for sustainability, learning and community - enhancing its role as a catalyst for climate action and green innovation," a Mid Wales Growth Deal spokesperson said. "The Cynefin project reflects the Mid Wales region's ambition to lead in green innovation. "By creating a more immersive, inspiring and accessible experience for learners, tourists and changemakers, it will drive footfall and economic growth in the area, while also supporting vital work to tackle climate change." The CAT is an internationally respected environmental charity, a world-leading eco centre, and one of the foremost providers of postgraduate environmental education in the UK. The Cynefin project aims to help CAT attract more postgraduate students, host a wider range of visitors, and demonstrate climate leadership through its operations. Dame Nia Griffith MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, said: 'The UK Government is proud of our investment in the Mid Wales Growth Deal and in projects like Cynefin that support local jobs, education, and innovation. "Our number one mission is to kickstart economic growth in every corner of Wales.
