Permanent tourist attraction in Wales close to visitors with immediate effect

A popular tourist attraction in Wales has announced it will close to visitors with immediate effect, with 14 jobs at risk. The Center for Alternative Technologies (CAT) near Machynlleth in Powys has announced that it will be closed to visitors on Wednesday evening.

The renowned eco-centre, which has been in Corris for 50 years and showcases practical examples of renewable energy, organic gardens and green buildings, offers a window into what our lives could be like in the future. The center championed greener energy sources long before the impact of carbon emissions was fully understood and is now one of Europe’s largest environmental centers.

Although the site receives tens of thousands of visitors a year, including many school trips, a statement on its website details how visitor numbers have fallen since the Covid pandemic, compounding the challenges the site faces, including funding delays. The CAT added that it remains “strongly committed” to its proposed redevelopment plans, which are being considered for funding from the Mid Wales Development Deal and other sources yet to be secured. For the latest Wales news straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter.

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The statement said: “It is with great regret that we confirm the closure of the CAT Visitor Center to day visitors from 9 November. It will remain open for students, group visits with prior reservation, events and courses. Unfortunately, 14 seats are at risk in CAT and full counseling has been going on for at least 14 days. Employee wellbeing is a top priority and we are providing specialist support to employees at this difficult time.

“This decision has been taken due to a number of factors at a difficult time for the UK charity sector. A combination of rising running costs, a post-pandemic drop in visitor numbers to Wales and funding delays have made it economically unviable to continue operating the visitor center in its current model, despite our best efforts to mitigate these factors.

“However, closing the current visitor center to day visitors will allow CAT to focus on strengthening the economically viable aspects of its operations, helping us fulfill our mission of creating and disseminating practical solutions to climate and natural emergencies. .”

The release explains how the center hopes to reopen its visitor center when funding becomes available. He added: “CAT remains firmly committed to the proposed wider redevelopment plans, which will bring significant improvements to visitor offerings. These proposals remain open to funding from the Mid Wales Development Deal and other sources. Once this funding is received, CAT will be able to reopen its doors to day visitors, providing additional tourism and education opportunities for communities in mid Wales and beyond.

“Meanwhile, the Graduate School of the Environment, short courses, the British Zero Carbon Center and the Innovation Lab remain unchanged, allowing CAT to continue its important work of delivering environmental skills for the future. As a charity, CAT relies on income from visitors, students and supporters to cover the costs of environmental education and research. If you would like to donate to CAT, visit: cat.org.uk/join-donate/. We will receive more information soon, including what to do if you have a reservation or voucher.”