Project Details
The Tamworth Correctional Centre, a heritage-listed prison in New South Wales, faced significant challenges due to its aging electrical infrastructure. The Main Switchboard (MSB) had reached the end of its life and posed a safety risk to the centre’s operations. The project aimed to upgrade the MSB to a safer, more accessible location, while also allowing for future expansion of power capacity, integration of standby power generation, EV charging, and renewable energy solutions.

Services Provided
As Principal Consultant while working at Nutbrook Engineering Group, Suman Retnavel was responsible for managing the entire design process for all building services, while also coordinating with key stakeholders, including the architect, building certifier, surveyor, and ensuring Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliance. Additionally, Suman Retnavel oversaw the detailed design and documentation of the electrical services required for the project.

Key responsibilities included

• Managing the design of all building services to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and safety standards.
• Relocating the Main Switchboard (MSB) to a safer area away from staff, addressing critical safety concerns.
• Upgrading the electrical infrastructure to allow for future enhancements, including standby power generation and integration of EV charging and renewable energy systems.
• Managing the project’s coordination between various disciplines, including architecture, building certification, and surveying.
• Ensuring the project met all necessary DDA compliance standards, providing accessibility and inclusivity in the design.