Machynlleth CAT closes to public putting jobs at risk

The reception building at the Centre for Alternative Technology is to close for drop in visitors

The closure of a technology tourist attraction to drop-in visitors has put 14 jobs at risk.

The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), near Machynlleth in Powys, said the decision to shut its visitor centre was made "with a heavy heart".

It blamed increased running costs, reduced visitor numbers since the Covid pandemic and funding delays.

The centre will still be open to booked group visits, such as school trips.

CAT, which was founded in 1973 in a disused quarry near the village of Ceinws, has become world-renowned for pioneering environmental innovation and education.

It also has an environment school providing specialist postgraduate courses, which CAT said would not be affected.

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Despite closing the visitor centre day visitors, CAT will remain open for bookings from group visits such as school trips, and booking from colleges, universities, community groups and other organisations.

It said the closure would "allow CAT to focus on strengthening economically viable aspects of its operations — helping deliver on its mission to create and share practical solutions to tackle the climate and nature emergency".

The centre opened a lecture threatre, on the right, in 2009

A consultation would now begin with 14 staff, it added.

Powys and Ceredigion councils issued a joint statement expressing "concern" about the closure.

"CAT is an asset to mid Wales and its economy - and we will do everything we can to support them through this difficult period," the statement said.