Victoria Gate Casino- Leeds
The Challenge
Victoria Gate Casino is a modern, high-end gaming and entertainment destination located in the heart of Leeds city centre, developed by GGV Developments Ltd. Branded as the “ultimate casino destination for gamers and good-times alike,” the scheme required a sophisticated, high-performance mechanical services installation within an existing shell-and-core structure.
Hensall was appointed for its extensive leisure-sector expertise to deliver the full mechanical package for the transformation of the building into a fully operational casino environment. A key challenge was the complete repurposing of the existing structure, requiring the careful integration of complex building services within an already established fabric, while maintaining programme, performance, and design intent.
The mechanical scope was extensive and highly technical, involving full project management and BIM-led design coordination, including detailed working drawings and site setup. The installation required the integration of multiple high-capacity systems, including VRF air conditioning, six air source heat pump units, and LTHW heating systems serving AHU pre-heating coils, VAV re-heater batteries, radiators, door curtains, and hot water calorifiers.
Additional complexity was introduced through the inclusion of four air-cooled packaged liquid chillers and an air blast chiller unit serving water-cooled condenser systems, all of which needed to be coordinated with plant room pods located at roof level. These systems required careful spatial planning and sequencing to ensure efficient installation within a constrained rooftop environment.
Ventilation design also posed a significant challenge, with supply and extract systems required to serve both the main casino floor and mezzanine levels. Dedicated kitchen extract systems incorporating electrostatic air cleaners and UV treatment units added further technical complexity, requiring specialist coordination to meet both performance and hygiene standards.
The project also demanded a fully integrated hot and cold water distribution system, above-ground drainage, and a sophisticated automatic controls system incorporating CO₂ detection and energy management. Compliance with BREEAM-style energy metering and monitoring requirements added an additional layer of design and commissioning complexity.
Delivering a fully coordinated mechanical installation of this scale within an existing structure required detailed planning, careful coordination between disciplines, and precise execution to ensure all systems worked seamlessly within a high-occupancy entertainment environment.
Our Solution
Hensall delivered a fully coordinated mechanical package for Victoria Gate Casino, remaining involved from early design development through to final completion. Working closely with the wider project team, Hensall ensured that all systems were designed, installed, and commissioned in line with the demanding requirements of a high-end entertainment venue.
The mechanical installation included the full delivery of ventilation, heating, and extraction systems across the casino, implemented in carefully sequenced phases to align with the overall fit-out programme. Hot and cold water distribution systems were installed throughout the building, supporting both front-of-house and back-of-house facilities. In addition, Hensall implemented a sophisticated automatic controls system capable of CO₂ detection and intelligent energy management, ensuring the building operated efficiently and responsively under varying occupancy conditions.
As project managers, Hensall coordinated the mechanical works alongside other trades, ensuring seamless integration within a complex multi-service environment. The system was designed with a strong focus on energy performance, incorporating monitoring and control strategies aligned with BREEAM-style sustainability principles.
The project presented significant logistical challenges due to the casino’s location at the top of the Victoria Gate Shopping Centre in a busy city-centre environment. Access constraints required the use of cranes to transport plant and equipment to roof level before installation could proceed. Careful planning and coordination were essential to manage these constraints and maintain programme momentum.
Additional challenges arose from the need to coordinate closely with multiple contractors working across different areas of the fit-out. Through proactive management and clear sequencing, Hensall ensured that mechanical works progressed efficiently alongside other trades.
Despite the complexity of the project and the logistical constraints, Hensall successfully delivered the works on time and within budget. The completed casino met all design and performance requirements, providing a high-quality, energy-efficient environment that fully supported its status as a premium entertainment destination.
| Length of Job | 12 Months |
| M&E Value | £1.6m |
| Completed Date | January 2017 |
| Client | Victoria Gate Casino |
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