Agenda item

Report of the City Surveyor

Members received a report of the City Surveyor providing an update on the performance of Smithfield Markets’ Condenser Water Cooling System, which served Tenants’ refrigeration equipment, and the works currently being undertaken to improve the system. The report highlighted that the performance of the condenser water cooling system since the last report in January was satisfactory.

Members asked what the effects of changing the temperature of the water provided to the system to 25ºC, up from 20ºC, would mean for the City. The City Surveyor explained that a lower temperature incurred higher costs due to the cooling towers working harder to cool the water. Costs would therefore decrease for the City. In response to queries, the City Surveyor explained that the Corporation was not bound to keeping the temperature at 20ºC as the original specification for the system was a temperature of 28-30ºC. In respect of the phasing in of the new water temperature, the City Surveyor agreed that a balance needed to be struck between implementing the change quickly while ensuring due consideration was given to the likely higher cooling demand in the summer months.

Members considered what would happen in a few years when maintenance of the system was handed over to the Smithfield’s Tenants Association. The City Surveyor assured the Committee that the Tenants were fully aware of the agreement and their future responsibilities over it.

The City would continue to monitor the system closely, and respond to Tenants’ requests for advice concerning refrigeration and cooling matters.

Resolved. That the contents of this report be noted.