I spent yesterday across the other side of Offa’s Dyke with Jo Dimitri, Project Manager for the Croft Castle biomass project; and David Bailey, the General Manager for the Herefordshire property portfolio. I had been invited into the suburbs of Wales to assist them with a peer review of the biomass project.
The aim of the day was to
- See the site and understand aspects of the business case in context
- Peer review progress so far
- Make recommendations about aspects to look at in more detail going into the design and planning stage
- Offer guidance about the approach to the next stage based on the current proposals and further expertise that may be needed
This was my first visit to Croft and I was not disappointed. It is a fabulous property and the setting is breathtaking with vista’s opening up across Herefordshire.The projects aim being to replace the current oil fired heating systems with a 190 kw biomass system that will heat the four buildings with the highest heat requirement at the property: the Castle, Stables, Home Farm and Garden Cottage.
Understandably within such a beautiful and listed setting location is key and part of the day was assessing options for location of the boiler house.
I left feeling enthused by the project, by the property staff who are fully committed to the project, and by the knowledge that Keith and myself will be returning to make our purchases of the wine that is produced on their own vines in the walled garden.
Oh yes, and slightly jealous of Jo and my counterpart in the Midlands, Kathryn as this is looking like a great project.
Will follow their progress and keep you posted.
