Plymouth Argyle FC can point to the comfort and warmth provided by a new Vokèra heating and hot water system as perhaps one of the many reasons behind its success in sealing promotion to Football League Division One this May.
Installed at the start of the season as part of an extensive upgrade to the team showers and other areas at the club’s Home Park stadium, the Vokèra solution helped invigorate the team’s surge up the table which culminated in second place and automatic promotion from League Two.
Home Park last saw major renovation works back in 2001. The shower facilities were most in need of improvement before the 2016/17 season began last August. The existing 300 litre electric hot water system in place did not have the capability to supply both home and away sides with sufficient hot water after a game. With League rules dictating that the away side must have first use of hot water, Plymouth’s players were frequently left with the choice of taking a cold shower, or using the facilities of the Leisure Centre, opposite the ground instead.
Vokèra came to the rescue with a new gas-fired system boiler and two 300 litre twin coil unvented cylinders, which were chosen for their ability to use both coils for faster reheat times. It was a challenge to fit the new equipment into the limited plant room space available, but Vokèra overcame these issues with its compact boiler and a flexible twin flue solution.
Dan Merkel from Vokèra’s south regional sales team commented: “The key focus when deciding on what to install in the changing rooms at Plymouth Argyle football ground was how quickly and efficiently we could generate an abundant supply of hot water for both sides, within the limitations of space that we faced. Twin coiled cylinders linked together provided the best option, enabling us to generate a large volume of hot water to be supplied and offer a faster recovery time at times of peak demand.”
Vokèra also renovated the heating in the club’s boardroom and bar. An additional boiler now delivers heating and hot water for these spaces, meeting spikes in demand, especially for hot water in the bar area when glasses and dishes need washing.
In the hospitality suite, the company supplied a third boiler to serve the kitchen, bars and central part of the stadium.
“We are incredibly happy with the warmth provided by the new Vokèra systems,” says Jon Back, Head of Operations and Club Secretary at Plymouth Argyle. “The whole process was totally stress-free and the Vokèra team couldn’t have been more helpful”. Jon added with a grin: “Most importantly, the players are delighted – it certainly helped them to clean up in the league last year!”
Vokèra offers tailored solutions to fit the requirements of each individual commercial project. More information, can be found at www.vokera.co.uk
