Grosvenor Casinos Reading South
Carrier Solutions UK supplied an advanced Toshiba air conditioning solution for Grosvenor Casinos Reading South, part of The Rank Group Plc’s portfolio of leisure venues.
Carrier Solutions UK supplied an advanced Toshiba air conditioning solution for Grosvenor Casinos Reading South, part of The Rank Group Plc’s portfolio of leisure venues.
Working alongside installing contractor Mid-Tech Services Limited and facilities management provider Cloudfm, Carrier Solutions UK delivered a combination of Toshiba VRF and split air-conditioning systems to serve a range of operational areas across the site. The installation included both new systems and equipment integrated with the existing air handling infrastructure already operating within the building.
The project was part of ongoing work to update the building's environmental control systems while supporting the client’s broader sustainability objectives. Installation was completed over a four-month period while the casino remained open to customers.
Challenges
The project required replacing and installing multiple air conditioning systems in an operational leisure environment. The casino remained open during the works, so installation activities had to be carefully planned to minimise disruption to the building’s daily operations.
The building already contained air-handling units with direct-expansion cooling coils that required compatible external condensers. To maintain the functionality of these units, replacement equipment was needed to integrate with the existing DX coil infrastructure.
The physical installation also presented logistical challenges. Several condensers needed to be positioned on the first-floor plant area, yet the building had limited access routes for moving equipment into place. Installers therefore removed a large louvre and used a forklift to manoeuvre the condensers to the required location. The works also involved installing extensive pipework and coordinating with multiple trades working on site.
Solution
Carrier Solutions UK supplied a combination of VRF and split air-conditioning equipment to meet the requirements of different zones within the casino.
At the centre of the installation was a Toshiba R32 SHRM Advance heat-recovery VRF system serving the staff areas on the ground floor. The system included wall-mounted units and four-way cassette units connected to a 40 kW outdoor unit, providing heating and cooling for these spaces.
Additional R32 wall-mounted split systems were installed to serve specific rooms within the building, including CCTV and communications areas.
To support the building’s existing air handling units with DX cooling coils, Carrier Solutions UK also provided eleven R410A heat pump SMMSu VRF condensers, along with associated DX controller and valve kits. These units were connected to the existing air handling equipment to maintain the building’s existing ventilation and cooling arrangement.
The system also included touchscreen centralised controllers and BP2 building management system (BMS) connectors. These controls allow temperature settings to be managed in different zones within the building, including meeting rooms and the general manager’s office.
Results
The installation was successfully delivered over four months while the casino remained in operation. Works were scheduled during the day and coordinated with other trades to ensure the project progressed safely and efficiently.
The project incorporated R32 refrigerant systems within the internal VRF and split installations. R32 refrigerant has a lower global warming potential (GWP) than R410A under standard industry metrics and was selected as part of the overall equipment specification.
“This project formed part of our ongoing work to review and update building systems across Grosvenor Casinos. Reading South was completed while the casino was open to customers, so we needed careful coordination between the project team and on-site contractors. The updated system gives us a new level of environmental control for key areas of the building and supports our wider plans to improve environmental performance across our estate.”
- Wayne Bramwell, Technical Project Lead, The Rank Group Plc
