As part of the site redevelopment we are installing a 100kW propellertype hydropower Kaplan turbine into the weir. This innovative and exciting addition will provide green energy for the entire complex, creating sustainability for the Trust and bringing new avenues of educational and artistic potential. In effect, we are diverting the course of the River Bela from the watermill's historic commercial industry to a contemporary creative industry.

The turbine is already being built by NHT Engineering of Belfast, the civil engineering works beginning on-site in mid-spring, being undertaken by Inter Hydro Technology and Askam Construction LTD. During the construction stage, access for visitors will be limited to certain parts of the grounds. The installation will be fully completed and the turbine in operation by the end of 2008.

This project highlights the importance of our primary resource - the river, and how this has been the reason why water powered industry has been the mainstay of our location for centuries. Future interpretation for the site will include opening up and maximising viewing access to the old mechanics of the waterwheel in contrast to the modern technologies of the hydro turbine.

The proposed layout plan for the hydro scheme is available here.