Based on the Baglan Energy Park, one of the premier business and industrial locations in Wales, the centre’s innovative design and use of materials provides a sustainable building which is energy positive.
Morgan Sindall was the council’s main contractor on the project, working with the IBI Group (architecture), Hydrock (engineering design work) and The Urbanists (landscape architectural services).
The building was part funded by the Welsh Government and UK Government through the Swansea Bay City Deal and forms part of the Supporting Innovation and Low Carbon Growth Programme. It is also part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
The centre, currently being marketed with interest strong, has a focus on innovation from a range of industry sectors including energy, digital, life sciences and similar innovative business activities.
A total of 15 winners were announced at the CEW Awards 2022 ceremony, hosted by Rupert Moon, at the Celtic Manor, Newport, on Friday, June 17th. Other winning projects included the new Merthyr Tydfil Bus Interchange and the Cardiff University Centre for Student Life.
Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Wellbeing, Cllr Jeremy Hurley, said: “We are delighted our new energy positive building has been recognised nationally and our thanks go to the contractors involved.
“At Neath Port Talbot Council we recognise that tackling climate change is urgent and the building is strongly linked to our DARE (Decarbonisation and Renewable Energy) strategy.”
Rob Williams, area director at Morgan Sindall Construction, added: “We are ecstatic to win this award and I’m incredibly proud of the entire team that worked on the Bay Technology Centre. To win the Net Zero award pays testament to our commitment to delivering intelligent solutions that reduce carbon on our projects and leave a positive, lasting legacy in our communities.
“The project is a fantastic investment for the area as part of the Swansea Bay City Deal and we want to thank the council and our supply chain partners, who have enabled us to deliver this building. The Bay Technology Centre will create more energy than it produces and is one of only a few net-positive buildings in the region, making it an exemplar project that we're really proud of.”