Fort Cambridge Development has awarded a €2.1 million air-conditioning infrastructural works contract to Panta Contracting Ltd, the developer announced yesterday.

Once installed, all apartments will boast a water-cooled air-conditioning system. Although it will involve a considerable investment, property owners will benefit from significant energy savings. Using a water-cooled system will eliminate the need of the installation of an outside unit and ensure better aesthetics.

Fort Cambridge said the contract covered the supply and installation of all air-conditioning pipe work within each apartment, the supply and installation of a water cooling system and the supply and installation of a cooling plant room incorporating special borehole pumps. The plant room will be situated below street level and is to be accessible from the parking area. This will provide easy access in case of routine maintenance works.

The borehole pump system will be one of the largest on the island and will be used to extract water from the sea to cool the air-conditioning system.

Panta Contracting Ltd, through its Mitsubishi Electric brand, was also nominated as one of the preferred suppliers for the supply of air-conditioning units within the apartments. The company has over 50 years' experience in the building services industry. In recent months, the company has also been awarded contracts for other large scale projects including the US Embassy, and the new facilities for Progress Press and Foster Clark.