We are delighted to be part of the team appointed by The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) to lead an ambitious master plan which aims to create a world-class visitor experience at the Mid Wales eco-centre. CAT is 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.
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.”
Haworth Tompkins Director and project lead, Lucy Picardo, said:
“As co-founders of Architects Declare we are acutely aware of the climate and biodiversity emergency the planet faces and the urgent need to take radical positive action. As a team, regenerative design sits at the root of our work. We are especially excited to be working with CAT on this project, as it builds upon our own experience and interest to go further, adopting regenerative principles to achieve long-term positive (rather than neutral) impacts, for both the community and environment.
“2023 will mark 50 years of CAT, our mission for this project is to support CAT to continue to educate audiences, provoke conversations and inspire positive behavioural change for the next 50 years and beyond.”
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.