The 360 Centre Steering Group were absolutely thrilled to finally be able to meet up in person on Thursday 16th November and celebrate the award of £30k funding from ELC for a feasibility study into the vision – a Climate Change Research, Education and Training Centre within a space for culture and the arts, public sculpture and a local green ferry service – based on the site of the former Cockenzie Power Station.
The funding was unanimously approved by East Lothian Council on Tuesday 16th November. The steering group has come together over the course of the past 18 months and includes Anna Scott, Jill de Fresnes, Tina Minto, Shona Brash, Anna Dunbar, Gareth Jones, Andrew Crummy, Dan Paris and Tim Porteus. The 360 Group is currently a limited company in the process of forming a charitable organisation and will kick off the feasibility study early in the new year.
Our vision is based on a true partnership approach to the Cockenzie Power Station Site – an approach which puts the community voice at the forefront while bringing in partnerships with site owners East Lothian Council, renewable energy companies based on the site, and universities and training providers who could use the facility to provide much needed Climate Change based training for industry and education for all sorts of organisations and groups.
This is such an important area of green space between the communities and this is a perfect opportunity not only to protect the coastline but to enhance it and provide much needed local jobs. That will be a key focus of the feasibility study. The inclusion of parkland with a cultural and arts area around a major piece of public art, along with the development of the existing pier for green ferries along the Forth, while making this a real destination for local people would also increase the visitor numbers to the whole area.
The 360 Vision Document is still a draft, and we continue to seek support, ideas and involvement from all interested parties. It has been entirely a grass roots project, built on conversations and discussion throughout our communities, along with further encouragement and support from experts from similar facilities such as the Helix Park, the renewable energy sector, universities and our own local council and councillors.
It is an innovative and really ambitious project for our communities and we look forward to the findings of the feasibility study. We would like to encourage as many people as possible to take part and we are currently putting together a survey which we can use to help to shape the feasibility study. This will also be undertaken in collaboration with our partners on the site. Thanks to everyone from our communities and further afield for support, ideas and offers of help so far. We are so delighted to see the project now moving to feasibility stage. Please get in touch below.
Our Partners
“The 360 Centre is a visionary idea which could create a major visitor attraction in East Lothian, delivering new jobs and economic benefit for many years to come. It’s a terrific opportunity for the local community to build on the area’s heritage whilst looking ahead to a sustainable low carbon future, and as a close neighbour to the proposal, we are delighted to offer our support.”
Nikki Keddie, Stakeholder Manager for Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm
“The 360 Centre is a really exciting community initiative to create a national visitor centre dedicated to climate change, arguably the most important issue of our time. The former Cockenzie power station site has played a hugely important role for the community and equally in the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables. It is fitting that this project could enable the power station to leave a legacy of local employment, economic benefit and public space for the benefit of the community. SSE Renewables and the Berwick Bank Wind Farm team are delighted to lend our support”
Gary Donlin, Stakeholder Engagement Manager for SSE
“The 360 Centre proposal is an exciting vision for the former Cockenzie power station site. This community-led project builds on the heritage of the local area and we welcome the opportunity to work with the 360 team on their plans. The area has a rich history connected to energy and, through consultation and ongoing work with the community, there is now an opportunity to look at plans for a world class renewable energy and research centre, which aligns with Seagreen’s plan for delivering renewable energy at the site.”
Sam McMillan, Stakeholder Manager for Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm
We would welcome your views, for this initiative to have any chance of success it will need wide community support and discussion on all aspects, additional ideas are welcome.
Please contact us with any comments or if you would like to support us.
Aspirational. Inspirational. Visionary. the360centre.com/aspirational…
Contact Us:
The 360 Centre
Email: the360centre@gmail.com