A beloved Welsh tourist charm has announced it will close its doors with immediate effect, 14 jobs at risk.
The Centre for Alternative Technologies (CAT), near Machynlleth in Powys, announced its closure on Wednesday afternoon. This eco-centre, installed in Corris for 50 years, promotes renewable energies, biological gardens and ecological buildings.
It has been advocating for greener energy resources long before the effect of carbon emissions was fully understood, making it one of Europe’s largest green hubs. Although it attracts thousands of visitors each year, in addition to many school trips, the center has seen a drop in attendance since the Covid pandemic.
This, coupled with investment delays, has increased the site’s challenges, reports Wales Online. However, CAT remains “strongly committed” to its proposed redevelopment plans, which await approval of the Mid Wales Growth Deal investment and resources that have yet to be allocated. insured.
The text reads: “We verified with a heavy center the closure of the CAT Visitor Center to daytime visitors as of November 9. It will remain open to students, pre-booked tours, events and classes. Unfortunately, 14 jobs are at risk. CT scan and a full consultation will take place over a period of at least 14 days. Staff wellbeing is a more sensible priority and we are providing specialist help to staff during this difficult time.
“This decision has been taken due to a number of points at a difficult time for the charity sector in the UK. The combination of emerging operating costs, reduced guest numbers to Wales post-pandemic and investment delays have made it economically unfeasible to continue operations. The Visitor Center in its current style, despite our most productive efforts to mitigate those points.
“However, the closure of the existing guest center for day guests will allow CAT to strengthen the economically viable aspects of its operations, helping us deliver on our project of creating and providing practical responses to address climate and natural emergencies. “
The center shared its hopes of reopening the center once it secures the investment. They said: “CAT remains firmly committed to its proposed wider redevelopment plans, which come with significant innovations for guest offerings. These proposals are still under scrutiny for investment from the Central Wales Growth Agreement and other sources. Once secured, that budget will allow CAT to reopen its doors to day guests, offering more tourism and educational opportunities for communities in Central Wales and beyond.
They also ensured that its Graduate School of the Environment, its short courses, as well as its British Zero Carbon Centre and Innovation Lab would not be affected. They added: “Meanwhile, the Graduate School of the Environment, short course delivery, the Zero Carbon Britain Hub Programme and the Innovation Lab are not affected, allowing CAT to continue its important work to deliver green capabilities for the future.
“As a charity, the CAT relies on the revenue stream of visitors, students and supporters to cover the costs of its education and environmental studies activities. If you would like to make a donation to the CAT, please visit: cat. org. uk/ join-donate More information, adding what to do if you have a reservation or an existing voucher, will be published shortly. “
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