A new £1.2 million post-16 learning centre is set to open in Mid Wales this month. Canolfan Hyddgen, in Machynlleth, will be officially opened by First Minister, Rhodri Morgan.

The centre, which is next to Ysgol Bro Dyfi in the town, is jointly funded by the county council and the Welsh Assembly Government department for children, education and lifelong learning and will open on March 26 Powys County Council has revealed.

Councillor David Jones, Powys County Council board member for schools and inclusion said: “Canolfan Hyddgen is an exciting community facility not just for Machynlleth but for the surrounding area.”

Councillor Jones added the building has one of the highest BREEAM scores in Wales, which measures how environmentally friendly a building is, and will be short-listed for the BREEAM Awards for 2009.

Most of the construction materials used are recycled, contained recycled elements or are from sustainable sources.

Its heating and management systems have been designed to reduce energy consumption by up to 85 per cent compared to a conventionally designed building.

Mr Morgan said: “Canolfan Hyddgen is a truly first-class facility providing local people with a truly comprehensive choice in education and training – all under one roof.”

The centre provides a venue for post-16 training and education for the area.

It will also house the council’s Customer Service Point and internet access.