Holdfast Training Services Trial Blog

The What & Where

Having settled into my Phase 3 placement at a Plymouth based Building Services Design consultancy, I’ve been given ownership of a very unique project. Guardian Industrial UK (GIUK) as the client have purchased “Drake’s Island” sat in the middle of Plymouth Sound with a view to transforming it into a luxury hotel, spa and visitor centre/museum.

The six-acre plot is around 600m from the Plymouth shoreline and has a long history of being used as a Military defensive base . Originally constructed as a defensive fortification in the 16th century, it was also used extensively in both World wars to protect Plymouth’s Naval fleets. It was then used by the military as an Adventurous Training facility until it was closed down in 1989. Luckily Rob managed to get his Canoeing foundation qual there in 1988 before it closed. He hasn’t been to sea since.

The Vision

I have a meeting with the client next week to try and tie down the scope. His intent at the moment roughly is shown below:

Restrictions

At present the site is derelict and pretty run-down. All buildings are Grade II listed and the island is home to endangered seabirds, fancy sea-weed and other rare aquatic wonders. The client has also stated a desire to make the island self sufficient through the use of renewable energy. Did I mention…

• The EA will not authorise a discharge permit for treated water (or so I’m told)
• Any untreated biological waste must be removed from the island EVERY 24 hours
• No diesel generators allowed at any time
• No outdoors areas are available to place additional infra
• No lift capability to move anything up the 12m rocky bluff perimeter, and no dedicated lay down areas
• The shallows/shoreline is off-limits

Pre-existing services:

Incoming electrical supply: 1 x 11kV submarine cable, laid in 1982, recently tested and ok but liable to deteriorate.

Substation and distribution: None

Incoming gas supply: None

Incoming water supply supply: None

Waste water treatment: None

Waste water disposal/sewers: None

Data/comms: None

The task:

So provide EVERYTHING to a place that effectively has NOTHING. Cool.

I’d imagine over the years that there have been similar challenges presented to RE officers when operating in different corners of the world.

My immediate thoughts are;

• Power
  • Utilise the incoming supply with a pair of 11kV:400V “environmentally friendly” silicone/ester/resin filled transformers. This will be needed for all enabling/perm works and lighting from the outset.
  • Research into “battery powered buildings” for renewable energy storage, design in low energy options to reduce load profile.
  • Consider options for on-site generation such as “wind trees” and “bio-CHP”

• Water source
  • Bore hole?
  • Desalination plant?
  • On-shore supply via pipeline installation?
• Waste water
  • Will need to be taken away – heavy logistic burden
  • Potential for treatment and recycling?
  • Get on-site treatment right and renegotiate with EA for discharge licence?!

So I’d like to put it to the floor… has anyone seen examples, or been part of a team, required to deliver works/services/energy needs in particularly remote places? What advice would you give?

Or just any innovative suggestions to help me out (tech and/or logistics)?!