C O N T E X T 9 8 : M A R C H 2 0 0 7 19 original turbine, no further alteration to the building was needed, but closer inspection of the machinery revealed that it was incomplete and beyond repair. The quest for a replica was on. In early 2006, with the help of Derwent Hydroelectric Power in Derby, an identical Gilkes manufactured turbine was located in a field somewhere in Ireland. Following successful negotiation on price, the project risked acquiring this item and had it transported to Derwent’s premises. There a complete overhaul and renovation began. Minimum alteration to the building was planned, but listed building consent was obtained for the installation of the new steel work and some minor works to meet health and safety requirements for visitors. Other licenses and agreements were obtained from the Environment Agency, Thames Water and the National Trust. The Environment Agency has particular responsibility for maintaining water levels in the Navigation. This part of the town suffered serious flooding in 2000, but the summer of 2006 saw drought conditions and low water levels. The project was therefore carefully assessed to ensure that the turbine and its operation did not impinge on the water levels and that enough water would be available to power the turbine. A sluice gate inside the Toll House forms part of the control mechanisms for the Navigation, and its use and maintenance were also programmed into the project. Water level control is not new. In 1760 an Act of Parliament allowed for compensation to be paid to the miller at Guildford for having to regulate the water level according to the needs of the Navigation. Even when the corn mills were obliged to stop altogether, provision was made for the water supply pumps to continue working. Before engineering works could start, the mill-race was damned upstream and the water drained away, but only after a fish rescue was carried out at the request of the Environment Agency. On the mill-pool side of the building, temporary damming was fixed to the area A temporary dam was constructed on the mill pool side of the building to allow access to works below water level. A fish rescue was carried out in the mill race before it was fully drained.
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