THE group behind plans for a climate change education and cultural centre at the site of the former Cockenzie Power Station is “thrilled” as the project is set to take a significant step forward.

Councillors are to be asked to approve funding for a feasibility study into the development of the proposed 360 Centre, a community-led initiative to create a nationally important climate change centre.

The 360 Centre is intended to be a major attraction for East Lothian, with proposals for a significant art installation alongside a visitor centre, education and training facilities, as well as the potential to run ferry buses along the coast and marine trips from the adjacent pier.

So far, the vacant former power station site, owned by East Lothian Council, has seen planning permission granted for offshore wind farm substations.

The 360 Centre proposal is a community-led initiative which took shape last year and has since garnered pledges of support from residents, academic researchers and renewable energy developers.

An online public launch event was conducted in April to gather community views, which have been incorporated into a draft vision document.

The group behind the proposed plans will continue to seek community guidance and views through a series of events and an online survey.

Anna Scott, a representative from the 360 Centre community group, said: “We are thrilled that East Lothian Council is engaging so constructively with our proposals and are hopeful that funding for a feasibility study will be approved.

“The 360 Centre is an ambitious project, but why should we not be ambitious for the future of our local community?

“As a young person growing up in this coastal community, doing something positive to address the climate crisis just feels so important, not just for the future of our area but far beyond that.

“The Cockenzie site is a site of hope – built on coal mines which stretch out under the Forth and the site of a former coal-fired power station which can now be reimagined to tell the story of climate change and even host research into solutions.

“The 360 Centre would include iconic new sculptures and improve access to the site and the coastal pathway, which is of course named after the East Lothian-born environmentalist John Muir.

“Over 150 years ago, John Muir was creating national parks in America and inspiring others to value the earth and the nature around us. We want to bring a bit more of his legacy back to the area.

“As Scotland hosts COP26, we believe the 360 Centre is an opportunity for Cockenzie, Port Seton and Prestonpans to be at the heart of the solution to one of the greatest challenges we face – a project which could be of local, national and international importance in the story of climate change.

“We want to be a part of the ‘wonderful recovery’ which Sir David Attenborough spoke about so inspirationally when he addressed the opening session of the COP26.”

Professor John Currie, director of the Scottish Energy Centre at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Nowhere has such a facility been created with the aim of providing an attraction with such a vital educational message.”

Nikki Keddie, stakeholder manager for Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm – which is to build a substation on another part of the site – said: “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.”