Mill Wheel Project - Update

Published 13:31 on 8 Apr 2025

Mill Wheel project- Update:

Over the last 2 years the team has carried out a considerable amount of on-site work and research to evaluate the most practical and cost-efficient way to restore the existing mill wheels and generate power for the club.

The outcome of this work is that, rather than renovating one of the existing wheels, the plan is to fully reinstate the 'third' wooden auxiliary wheel shown in the image from 1891 with a new breast shot wheel which will be fed by a wooden launder to direct the water from the Millstream via the existing sluice gate. See images below.

A gearbox and generator will be fitted to the wheel to produce renewable energy. This will be supplemented by PV cells discreetly positioned on the club roof.

It is estimated that the combined output from these power sources will meet 75% of the peak time electrical consumption of the club.

Other developments to report:

-Last month we presented the project to the Commodore and Flag Officers at the club and received their enthusiastic support.

-We also had a very positive meeting with Richard Austin from Chichester Harbour Conservancy who both fully supports the project and has included it in a large-scale grant application to the National Heritage Lottery Fund.

-In addition, we have completed a Pre-App planning exercise and gained full support from the Principal Design Officer and Archaeologist at the CDC, together with Adrian Moss, the leader of the Council.

Next steps:

With the approvals in place the next stage is to commission Carruthers Renewables, the company who will supply the wheel, to carry out a detailed feasibility study and conceptual design.

When this work is completed, we will go ahead and apply for full planning approval.

In this regard, we have been greatly assisted by Catja de Hass who is an architect and club member. Her team have already carried out a survey of the site and produced a full set of drawings and 3D models, which will be utilised in the planning application.

We will send a further update once we have had the response to the application.

Last updated 13:35 on 9 April 2025