Concerns over cost to run popular Cheltenham pavilion’s air source heat pump
The heat pump was installed around four years ago as part of the council's upgrade to the Burrow’s Pavilion in Leckhampton
Concerns have been raised over the running costs of an air source heat pump which was installed in Cheltenham.
Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) installed the heat pump as part of the upgrade to The Burrow’s Pavilion in Leckhampton some four years ago.
It was the first such installation in any of the spa town’s parks.
But it did not turn out to be fit for purpose with running costs amounting to more than £6,000 a year.
Leckhampton with Warden Hill parish councillor Emma Nelson raised concerns over the issue on Monday (October 13) at the Municipal Offices.
She said in a written question ahead of the Borough Council meeting that the costs were unsustainable and the air source heat pump has insufficient capacity to run the building.
“It has transpired that the ASHP is not fit for purpose with running costs amounting to an unsustainable £6k-£7k per annum and has insufficient capacity to run the building,” she said.
“It seems that the contractor appointed under the CBC tender program had limited understanding of the technology.
“Furthermore, no form of guarantee as to its efficient performance is in place.
“Consequently, the ASHP now requires replacement at a cost to Leckhampton Rovers Football Club.”
She said a new one will have running costs of around £1,500 a year.
“Why was due diligence on suitability of contractor/supplier of original ASHP not carried out? Why is there no guarantee in place?
“How many other CBC parks have ASHP’s in place and if so, have these been fitted by the same contractor?”
Finance and assets cabinet member Peter Jeffries (LD, Springbank) said the Burrow’s Pavilion has been a success overall and has supported sport and physical activity to thrive on Burrow’s Field.
He said it was not correct to say due diligence was not carried out on the contractors regarding the air source heat pump.
“In fact, the works were awarded to an established, reputable and well-known local contractor and this was overseen again by an established and respected local firm as contract administrator on behalf of CBC.
“However, it is often the case on any construction project that, following the completion of works, issues arise when a facility becomes operational.
“In this case, CBC property team are currently in contact with the contractors to acquire warranty information for the installed equipment as this may enable a claim to be made for any credible defects.
“In addition, the council are also supporting the club to get a further mechanical and electrical assessment of the equipment.
“We hope through this support we can move towards reaching a positive resolution.
“There are no other ASHPs in council pavilions. There is one further ASHP in
Montpellier Gardens Gallery but this was instigated, installed and is managed by the Tenant.”
Mrs Nelson asked a follow up question at the meeting.
She said she was pleased that contrary to what she was led to believe there does indeed seem to be a warranty in place for the air source heat pump.
“How confident are you that the warranty claim that has now been put in place will be successful?
“And to what extent the original cost four years ago will be forthcoming and what was that original cost?”
Cllr Jeffries said it was quite a specific question and would get back to her with details.
He thanked the community for the hard work they do.