Abbey Mill Fishbelly

Abbey Mill, Tewkesbury

In 1994, as part of a planned series of Gate and Sluice refurbishments on the River Avon, the Environment Agency appointed Mouchel Consulting Ltd to develop an overall design for replacement fishbelly gates at Abbey Mill at Tewkesbury. KGAL were retained as Sub-Consultants to assess, and advise the Consultant on all Mechanical and Electrical aspects.

The site is particularly sensitive since it borders on a Site of Special Scientific Interest, known as the Severn Ham, whilst the Mill is a Grade 2 listed building. In addition site works were required to be restricted during certain bird nesting periods.

After wide consultation a design for a single 17 m wide x 3 m high fishbelly gate was developed. This involved the outline design of a suitable fishbelly gate, the associated operating gear and all civil works. The works include provision for future automatic operation, standby power supplies as well as extensive telemetry and remote access links.

The gate is operated entirely from the Mill side so as to avoid motorised equipment on the "Ham" side.

A full specification and tender documents were produced.

Subsequently the scheme was approved and a contract for the water control gate equipment placed with GEC Alsthom Hydropower Ltd. KGAL were retained to approve the mechanical and electrical detail drawings and oversee testing and installation.

CLIENT: The Environment Agency

CONSULTANT: Mouchel Consulting Ltd