The state of the art Discovery Centre at Margam Park is one of Wales’ magnificent seven landmark buildings to scoop a top RIBA design (Royal Institute of British Architects) award.
The unique design of the building, which was commissioned by the council in collaboration with the Welsh School of Architecture, caught the eye of the RIBA which celebrates the best of UK architecture.
Councillor Ali Thomas, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said: “This is excellent news for Neath Port Talbot as this is the second time in the last ten years that we have been recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects for our outstanding contribution to British Architecture.”
“The Margam Discovery Centre has opened up a whole new world for Neath Port Talbot. It has become a centre for heritage and conservation training, job creation and environmental understanding. It has also been an example of reducing the carbon footprint and attracting more visitors to the historic Margam Park.”
Karl Napieralla, Director of Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning at Neath Port Talbot Council said: “In Education and Lifelong Learning terms this building is iconic. The nature of the design inspires students of all ages to appreciate the environment even more and already we have seen enthusiastic responses from learners in carrying out their learning activities whether they stay at the centre or participate in non-residential programmes.”
Gareth Nutt, Head of Property and Regeneration, said: “The Council is delighted by recognition of the quality of this building which fully met the challenge of developing a building worthy of the historic landscape at Margam.”
The £5.6million project funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Local Regeneration Fund was mainly constructed offsite and brought to Margam as a series of completed pods which were slotted together on the pre-prepared site.
The sustainable energy showcase building offers multi purpose use with conference facilities, study rooms, a library and computer room, a restaurant and community facilities.
There are also on-site residential facilities that accommodate up to 120 people giving them an opportunity to study and encompass the historic surroundings of the Park.
